ROLE OF METABOLOMICS IN UNCOVERING THE MECHANISTIC LINK BETWEEN MICROBIOME MODULATION AND HOST METABOLISM

Abstract

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining host metabolism, immune function, and overall health. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, has been linked to various metabolic, inflammatory, and neurological disorders. Microbiome-targeted therapies, including prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), aim to restore microbial homeostasis, but their clinical efficacy is often inconsistent due to inter-individual variability. Metabolomics, the large-scale study of small-molecule metabolites, has emerged as a powerful tool for understanding microbiome-host interactions by providing real-time insights into microbial metabolic activity. Unlike metagenomics, which focuses on microbial composition, metabolomics characterizes functional microbial outputs such as short- chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids, and neurotransmitter precursors, which directly influence host physiology. This review explores the integration of metabolomics with microbiome-based interventions, highlighting its potential in elucidating treatment mechanisms, identifying predictive biomarkers, and enhancing precision medicine. We also discuss recent technological advancements, including multi-omics integration, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven data analysis, and microbiome-derived pharmaceutical developments, which are shaping the future of gut-modulation therapies. Despite its promise in personalized microbiome-based approaches, metabolomics faces challenges in standardization, regulatory approval, and clinical translation. Addressing these barriers will be essential for unlocking the full potential of metabolomics-driven gut health optimization and advancing microbiome-based precision medicine.