Gut microbiota regulates fish muscle texture via collagen synthesis (link.springer.com)

• Cetobacterium somerae boosts muscle collagen via acetate production.
• Acetate enhances SMAD2/3 acetylation, upregulating collagen I.
• Microbiota modulation may improve fish fillet quality.

"This study demonstrates that the gut bacterium Cetobacterium somerae increases muscle hardness in tilapia by producing acetate. Acetate promotes acetylation of SMAD2/3, enhancing collagen I expression. These findings expand the gut-muscle axis concept and suggest microbiota manipulation as a strategy for improving muscle quality in aquaculture."