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Researcher | Institution | Original publication | Reading recommendations | Beyond | CitationThe gut microbiome has a significant influence on various diseases ranging from malnutrition to chronic inflammation. It is largely shaped by environmental factors, like diet and lifestyle. How the genetics of the individual affect the composition of the microbiome, however, was largely unknown. RUTH LEY explains in this video that the research team addressed this question by comparing the microbiome of over 1000 twin pairs based on DNA extracted from their stool samples. These comparisons allowed the researchers to compile a list of heritable microbes, top of which is a family of bacteria called the Christensenellaceae. One key finding was that the microbiome of lean individuals contains more of this type of bacteria as compared to the microbiome of obese people. Further experiments showed that, if Christensenellaceae are given to germ free mice, their amount of body fat is reduced. These results might lead to novel therapeutic approaches to obesity and associated diseases.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21036/LTPUB10378
Institution
Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen
Basic research at the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen addresses fundamental questions in microbial, algal, plant and animal biology, including the interaction between different organisms. The approaches we use range from biochemistry, cell and developmental biology to evolutionary and ecological genetics, functional genomics and bioinformatics. The institute currently has five active departments, each led by a Director
Original publication
Human Genetics Shape the Gut Microbiome
Cell
Published in 2014
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Microbial Ecology: Human Gut Microbes Associated with Obesity
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Ecological and Evolutionary Forces Shaping Microbial Diversity in the Human Intestine
Cell
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Host-bacterial Mutualism in the Human Intestine
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