Gut Microbiota Mediate the Metabolism of Colonic Prostaglandins

However, previous research of PG biosynthesis has focused on host metabolic pathways, the roles of gut microbiota involved are not well understood 8. Here, we identify a colonic pathway through which gut microbes directly participate in PG metabolism and regulate colonic PG levels and their biological effects.

Comparison of germ-free and conventionally raised mice reveals that the gut microbiota markedly increase the levels of multiple PGs in the colon. This effect is mediated by bacterial β-glucuronidases (GUS), which hydrolyze host-derived PG glucuronides, less active or inactive conjugates, to regenerate bioactive free PGs. GUS administration and bacterial mono-colonization in germ-free mice demonstrate a critical role for microbial GUS in regulating colonic PG levels and associated biological responses.