Interplay Between Intestinal Bacteria and Epigenetic Markers in Pathogenesis of Metabolic and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 22

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
Interests: gut microbiome; epigenetic marks; metabolic diseases; neuropsychiatric disorders; probiotics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental exposures such as microbes, diet, and pharmaceuticals play a key role in the development and progression of various diseases, particularly metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. The complexity of these conditions stems from the interplay between the gut microbiota, their metabolites, host genetics, epigenetics, and the immune system. Recent studies highlight that microbiota-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, can modulate epigenetic mechanisms by inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs) and altering DNA methylation. These metabolites influence gene expression and impact diverse physiological processes, including immune maturation, immune homeostasis, mucosal barrier integrity, host energy metabolism, and the function of body organs like the brain. This Cells Special Issue will focus on the latest advances in research into the interplay between intestinal bacteria and epigenetic markers in disease pathogenesis. Research papers and reviews examining how diet, bioactive compounds, environmental factors, or how microbiome-based therapies influence health outcomes via epigenetic modulation are welcome. Studies exploring mechanistic links between microbial communities and host gene regulation are also encouraged. By assembling interdisciplinary contributions, this issue aims to advance our understanding of microbiome–epigenome interactions and highlight novel therapeutic opportunities in precision medicine.

Dr. Shabnam Nohesara
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • gut microbiome
  • epigenetic marks
  • metabolic diseases
  • neuropsychiatric disorders
  • probiotics
  • prebiotics
  • postbiotics
  • indole derivatives
  • epigeneic metabolites

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Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
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