Cited by 42Gut microbiota and healthProbiotics and Fermented FoodsMicrobial Natural Products and Biosynthesis

Targeting the human gut microbiome with small-molecule inhibitors

Woo, Amelia Y. M., Aguilar Ramos, Miguel A., Narayan, Rohan, Richards-Corke, Khyle C., Wang, Michelle L., Sandoval-Espinola, Walter J., Balskus, Emily P.·2023·Nature Reviews Chemistry

Abstract

The human gut microbiome is a complex microbial community that is strongly linked to both host health and disease. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of these microorganisms on host biology remain largely uncharacterized. The development of non-lethal, small-molecule inhibitors that target specific gut microbial activities enables a powerful but underutilized approach to studying the gut microbiome and a promising therapeutic strategy. In this Review, we will discuss the challenges of studying this microbial community, the historic use of small-molecule inhibitors in microbial ecology, and recent applications of this strategy. We also discuss the evidence suggesting that host-targeted drugs can affect the growth and metabolism of gut microbes. Finally, we address the issues of developing and implementing microbiome-targeted small-molecule inhibitors and define important future directions for this research.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1038/s41570-023-00471-4

Cites

241 of 241 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • It is difficult to predict and control the outcomes of microbiome manipulation by prebiotics because they affect the growth and activities of multiple microbial species.

    “On the other hand, it is difficult to predict and control the outcomes of microbiome manipulation by prebiotics, as they affect the growth and activities of multiple microbial species.728,741”

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Authors
Woo, A. Y. M., Aguilar Ramos, M. A., Narayan, R., Richards-Corke, K. C., Wang, M. L., Sandoval-Espinola, W. J., & Balskus, E. P.
Affiliations
  • Harvard University (US)
  • Howard Hughes Medical Institute (US)
Corresponding author
Balskus, Emily P.
Venue
Nature Reviews Chemistry
Published
2023-04-18
Volume
7
Issue
5
Pages
319-339
ISSN
2397-3358 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4366277385
Cited by
42
References
244
Citations by year
2026: 11 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 17 · 2023: 2
FWCI
1.11
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Nature Reviews Chemistry (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Gut microbiota and health
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Probiotics and Fermented Foods
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis
Keywords
gut microbiota, small molecule inhibitors, microbiota-based therapy, microbial metabolism, microbial ecology, drug design
MeSH terms
Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Humans, Microbiota

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