Microbial modulators of the epigenome: probiotic regulation of MiRNAs and LncRNAs in health and disease and preventive medicine

Current improvements in microbiome research have illuminated the serious function of probiotics in modulating host gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms, particularly via the regulation of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). These regulatory RNAs are essential mediators of gene silencing, chromatin remodeling, and cellular signaling pathways implicated in immunity, inflammation, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review comprehensively examines current evidence on how specific probiotic strains influence miRNA and lncRNA expression, leading to beneficial outcomes in various pathological and physiological conditions. We explore the underlying molecular mechanisms by which probiotic-derived metabolites, like extracellular vesicles and short-chain fatty acids, interrelate with host transcriptional machinery and ncRNA biogenesis. Special emphasis is placed on disease models including inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, metabolic syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the beneficial possible of targeting the gut microbiota-ncRNA axis. Moreover, we discuss the prospects for personalized microbiome-based interventions, challenges in clinical translation, and future directions for leveraging probiotic-ncRNA interactions in precision medicine. The integration of probiotics into epigenetic therapy represents a promising, non-invasive strategy for modulating gene expression and restoring homeostasis in complex diseases.