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MICROBIOME AND METABOLISM

A microbial metabolite linked to fat accumulation

Nature Metabolism volume 3, pages 1594–1595 (2021)Cite this article

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Whether and how host energy metabolism can be controlled by commensal microorganisms remains controversial. New work shows that the microbe-derived metabolite δ-valerobetaine contributes to obesity and hepatic steatosis by modulating mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and increasing lipid storage in the adipose tissue and liver.

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Fig. 1: A microbial metabolite that alters host metabolism by promoting adiposity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA

    Jane F. Ferguson

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  1. Jane F. Ferguson
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Correspondence to Jane F. Ferguson.

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The author declares no competing interests.

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Ferguson, J.F. A microbial metabolite linked to fat accumulation. Nat Metab 3, 1594–1595 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-021-00495-4

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