Microbial short-chain fatty acid production pathways (SCFA production pathways)

Microbial short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production pathways represent a critical metabolic interface between the gut microbiota and the host. These pathways involve the anaerobic fermentation of non-digestible dietary fibers by specific bacterial taxa, primarily resulting in the generation of acetate, propionate, and butyrate (Koh et al., 2016 [1]). SCFAs serve as essential energy sources for intestinal epithelial cells and function as potent signaling molecules by activating G-protein coupled receptors, such as GPR41 and GPR43, and inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs) (Parada Venegas et al., 2019 [2]). Dysregulation of these pathways is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer (Canfora et al., 2015 [3]). Therapeutic interventions targeting these pathways include the administration of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics designed to restore SCFA levels and improve host metabolic and immune homeostasis (Bultman, 2014 [4]).

Other names

Gut microbiota short-chain fatty acid synthesisBacterial fermentation of dietary fiberMicrobial butyrate production pathwayMicrobial acetate production pathwayMicrobial propionate production pathway

Enhancement of microbial fermentation of non-digestible dietary fibers to increase the production of acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which subsequently activate host G-protein coupled receptors (GPR41, GPR43, GPR109A) and inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs).