New discoveries in bile acids, gut microbiota and host interactions in health and diseases

Clinical Science themed collection open for research submissions until 16 September 2024

Bile acids cycle between the liver – where they are synthesized, conjugated and then secreted into the bile – and the gut – where they interact with a complex inhabiting community of microorganisms – before their reabsorption for recirculation to the liver or for spill over into the systemic blood. Bile acids are authentic signaling molecules that ensure a finely-tuned communication among the tissues of the host, as well as with the gut microbiota. Over the past 20 years, it has been robustly evidenced that bile acids regulate numerous physiological processes, notably through the discovery and study of their dedicated receptors. Bile acid dysregulation has been directly implicated in the pathophysiology of various conditions ranging from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases to cancer and ageing. In parallel, pharmacological agents to interfere with bile acid metabolism and signaling have been developed. However, though designated as potential therapeutic targets, there are still many mechanisms to be discovered and understood in this challenging, but exciting and promising field, before correcting the bile acid pool for health protection. 

In this themed collection of Clinical Science “New discoveries in bile acids, gut microbiota and host interactions in health and diseases”, the emphasis will be placed on updated and novel insights-providing review papers as well as on original mechanistic research papers on the role of bile acids in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. 

We encourage the submission of high-quality research articles connecting basic science to disease mechanisms. Please contact the Editorial Office for any additional information.

This Clinical Science themed collection, will be Guest edited by:

Professor Isabelle Leclercq, Université catholique de Louvain
Dr Justine Gillard, Université catholique de Louvain