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Microbial Enzyme Expression

Meaning

Microbial Enzyme Expression refers to the process by which the genetic information encoded within the DNA of the gut microbiota is transcribed and translated into functional protein enzymes that catalyze specific biochemical reactions within the intestinal lumen. The profile of expressed enzymes, such such as beta-glucuronidase or sulfatase, dictates the metabolic capacity of the gut ecosystem, influencing the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and the deconjugation of host-derived compounds like steroid hormone metabolites. Variations in this expression profile, often driven by diet or environmental factors, can significantly alter the bioavailability of circulating hormones and systemic metabolism. This is a key mechanism in the gut-hormone axis.