Genome-wide association analysis identifies variation in vitamin D receptor and other host factors influencing the gut microbiota.

ABSTRACT: Human gut microbiota is an important determinant for health and disease, and recent studies emphasize the numerous factors shaping its diversity. Here we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the gut microbiota using two cohorts from northern Germany totaling 1,812 individuals. Comprehensively controlling for diet and non-genetic parameters, we identify genome-wide significant associations for overall microbial variation and individual taxa at multiple genetic loci, including the VDR gene (encoding vitamin D receptor). We observe significant shifts in the microbiota of Vdr^-/- mice relative to control mice and correlations between the microbiota and serum measurements of selected bile and fatty acids in humans, including known ligands and downstream metabolites of V

SUBMITTER: Wang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5626933 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature