As the global population ages, musculoskeletal health has become a critical concern for middle-aged and elderly populations. Musculoskeletal health refers to the performance of the locomotor system, including intact muscles, bones, joints, and adjacent connective tissues. There are over 150 different diseases and disorders that impair the musculoskeletal system, often leading to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and limitations in daily functioning. These conditions represent a significant demand for rehabilitation services and have significant social and economic impacts due to loss of productivity and increased healthcare costs.
Emerging research indicates that the gut microbiota, a complex and diverse ecosystem within the human body, plays a pivotal role in the metabolism of bones and muscles, crucially impacting the overall health of the musculoskeletal system. Research suggests that the composition and function of gut microbiota can influence musculoskeletal health through various mechanisms, offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of related diseases. Importantly, musculoskeletal conditions affect individuals across their lifespan, including during their peak earning years, understanding these mechanisms holds profound importance.

This research aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and musculoskeletal health. It will investigate how genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolic interactions between the host and microbiota impact the physiology of the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, the role of environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle in shaping gut microbiota and their subsequent effects on musculoskeletal health will be explored. By integrating multi-omics approaches, the goal is to develop new preventive and therapeutic strategies to enhance musculoskeletal health amidst global aging challenges.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:
-Investigating the influence of the host's genetic background on gut microbiota composition and function, including how specific host genes affect susceptibility to microbial colonization, immune response regulation.
-Exploring the gene expression responses of host cells to gut microbiota and the implications of these transcriptomic changes for immune regulation and metabolic processes.
-Analyzing how gut microbiota impacts protein expression and modifications, with a focus on how these changes influence primary cellular functions and contribute to musculoskeletal health.
-Investigating gut microbial metabolites and their effects on host metabolic pathways, energy balance, inflammatory responses, and musculoskeletal health.
-Examining the role of lifetime environmental exposures—such as diet and lifestyle—in shaping gut microbiota composition and function, and their subsequent impact on musculoskeletal health.

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Role of Gut Microbiota-Host Interaction Mechanisms in the Musculoskeletal Health of Middle-Aged and Elderly Populations