Molecular link between gut microbes, intestinal health

Humans maintain a symbiotic relationship with the trillions of beneficial microbes that colonize their bodies. Inflammatory bowel disease is one of the best-studied diseases associated with alterations in the composition of beneficial bacterial populations. Researchers have identified that the enzyme HDAC3 - important in epigenetics - is a key mediator in maintaining proper intestinal integrity and function in the presence of friendly bacteria.