The Effects of Diet and Gut Microbiota on the Regulation of Intestinal Mucin Glycosylation

Intestinal mucins glycosylation is regulated by host cues and environmental signals from the microbiome and diets. However, the mechanisms responsible for the dialogue between these three factors and mucin glycosylation in the digestive environment of the host are not well understood. In this review, the dynamic alterations of mucin glycosylation induced by immune responses to gut diseases are summarized. The various types of interactions between mucin glycans and gut microbes, including adhesins, glycosidases, metabolic products and surface components, are discussed. The mechanisms that determine how dietary components (fat, fiber, prebiotics, protein, and food additives) affect intestinal mucin glycosylation and maintain mucosal homeostasis are identified. A potential framework for individualized dietary recommendations is proposed for the prevention of abnormal mucin glycosylation driven by immune dysregulation, gut microbiome alterations and other factors. This review may provide a basis for future research on glycosylation-inspired therapies for gut diseases.