Emerging research suggests the trillions of microbes living in our guts may influence how the intestine ages.
A new study in Stem Cell Reports found that ageing alters the gut microbiota in ways that weaken intestinal stem cells, which are responsible for renewing the gut lining.
The study in mice also identified specific bacteria in older animals that appear to suppress key regenerative pathways.
Rather than an irreversible decline, these findings suggest intestinal senescence may be shaped by microbial signals, and that modifying the gut ecosystem could support healthier tissue maintenance.
Inside Precision Medicine has more information.