Effect of diet on the evolution of gut commensal bacteria

Abstract

The gut microbiota, comprising trillions of diverse microorganisms inhabiting the intestines of animals, forms a complex and indispensable ecosystem with profound implications for the host’s well-being. Its functions include contributing to developing the host’s immune response, aiding in nutrient digestion, synthesizing essential compounds, acting as a barrier against pathogen invasion, and influencing the development or regression of various pathologies. The dietary habits of the host directly impact this intricate community of gut microbes. Diet influences the composition and function of the gut microbiota through alterations in gene expression, enzymatic activity, and metabolome. While the impact of diet on gut ecology is well-established, the investigation into the relationship between dietary consumption and microbial genotypic diversity has been limited. This review provides an overview of the relationship between diet and gut microbiota, emphasizing the impact of host nutrition on both short- and long-term evolution in the mammalian gut. It is evident that the evolution of the gut microbiota occurs even on short timescales through the acquisition of novel mutations, within the gut bacteria of individual hosts. Consequently, we discuss the importance of considering alterations in bacterial genomic diversity when analyzing microbiota-dependent effects on host physiology. Future investigations into the various microbiota-related traits shall greatly benefit from a deeper understanding of commensal bacterial evolutionary adaptation.