The Relationship Between the Human Genome and Microbiome Comes into View.

ABSTRACT: The body's microbiome, composed of microbial cells that number in the trillions, is involved in human health and disease in ways that are just starting to emerge. The microbiome is assembled at birth, develops with its host, and is greatly influenced by environmental factors such as diet and other exposures. Recently, a role for human genetic variation has emerged as also influential in accounting for interpersonal differences in microbiomes. Thus, human genes may influence health directly or by promoting a beneficial microbiome. Studies of the heritability of gut microbiotas reveal a subset of microbes whose abundances are partly genetically determined by the host. However, the use of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to identify human genetic variants associated with microbiome phe

SUBMITTER: Goodrich JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5744868 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature