Impact of gut microbiota on host stem cells across the gastrointestinal tract

The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in maintaining gastrointestinal (GI) homeostasis by influencing epithelial integrity, immunity, and metabolism. Recent studies have uncovered that gut microbiota can directly or indirectly modulate the behavior and function of adult stem cells across the GI tract, which are essential for tissue regeneration and disease prevention. Moreover, key microbial metabolites including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), tryptophan-derived indoles, succinate, secondary bile acids, and retinoic acid exert diverse effects on stem cell quiescence, proliferation, and differentiation. This review provides current knowledge on the interaction between gut microbiota and host stem cells in the stomach, intestine, and colon.