Young Microbes Rejuvenate Intestinal Function in Mice
Transferring young mouse microbiota into aged mice restored canonical Wnt signaling, increased intestinal stem cell markers (Ascl2, Lgr5, Olmf4), and improved epithelial regeneration; oral Akkermansia muciniphila raised duodenal levels in aged mice and further suppressed Wnt gene expression and regenerative potential, indicating species-specific microbiome effects on intestinal aging.
Why it mattersEvidence that young microbiota restore Wnt signaling suggests avoiding A.