July 10, 2026 · Blood · DOI: 10.1182/blood.2026033155

Gut Microbiota Drives Aging-related Erythropoiesis Impairment via Phenylacetic Acid-induced Histone Phenylacetylation

Listen to this summary

This study investigates the role of gut microbiota in aging-related anemia, specifically how phenylacetic acid (PAA) produced by the gut symbiont Odoribacter splanchnicus contributes to impaired erythropoiesis through histone phenylacetylation. The authors demonstrate that elevated PAA levels disrupt erythroid differentiation in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells by modifying chromatin accessibility at the GATA2 promoter. These findings highlight potential therapeutic strategies, including dietary phenylalanine restriction and HBO1 inhibition, to mitigate anemia in older adults.

Yifei Xie, Xiangrui Qiao, Hao Wu, Yiming Hua, Bolin Li, Ning Ding, Jinglong Pang, Mingmin Zhang, Wen Xi, Kai Deng, Yu Xu, Peining Liu, Xue Shi, Lele Cheng, Xiaozhen Zhuo, Ting Li, Zuyi Yuan, Yue Wu

This is one of 33,000+ journals available on OSLR. Try it free for 14 days.

Free 14-day trial. 33,000+ journals. Cancel anytime.

14-day free trial. No commitment.

"Oslr has become part of my weekly routine on my day off. The clinical relevance of the summaries is outstanding — I'd rate it 9/10. Being able to consume research hands-free is a huge advantage for busy physicians."

Dr. Jennifer Thompson

Dr. Jennifer Thompson

Portland, OR

Stay current without falling behind

33,000+ journals. 3-minute audio summaries. Free for 14 days.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play