The gut microbiota drives aging-related erythropoiesis impairment via phenylacetic acid-induced histone phenylacetylation.

Aging-related increase in gut microbiota-derived phenylacetic acid impairs erythropoiesis by modifying histone acetylation in hematopoietic stem cells.

• Why it matters: Understanding the epigenetic mechanisms behind aging-associated anemia is crucial, as it affects older adults' health and survival, yet remains poorly understood, especially the role of gut microbiota.
• What they did: The study analyzed plasma phenylacetic acid levels and gut microbiota composition in humans and mice, identifying Odoribacter splanchnicus as a key producer, and used interventions like antibiotics, dietary changes, and inhibitors to explore causality.
• The result: Findings show that reducing phenylacetic acid levels via microbiota modulation or dietary restriction alleviates anemia, highlighting potential therapeutic strategies targeting microbiota and epigenetic modifications.