Work

The human microbiome in evolution

Year: 2017

Type: review

Abstract: The trillions of microbes living in the gut-the gut microbiota-play an important role in human biology and disease. While much has been done to explore its diversity, a full understanding of our microbiomes demands an evolutionary perspective. In this review, we compare microbiomes from human populations, placing them in the context of microbes from humanity's near and distant animal relatives. We discuss potential mechanisms to generate host-specific microbiome configurations and the consequences of disrupting those configurations. Finally, we propose that this broader phylogenetic perspective is useful for understanding the mechanisms underlying human-microbiome interactions.

Source: BMC Biology

DOI: 10.1186/s12915-017-0454-7

Authors: Emily R. Davenport, Jon G. Sanders, Se Jin Song, Katherine R. Amato, Andrew G. Clark, Rob Knight

Institutions: Cornell University, University of California San Diego, Northwestern University

Language: English

Topic: Gut microbiota and health

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,690

Funders: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, W. M. Keck Foundation, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases