scholarly journals Population-based metagenomics analysis reveals markers for gut microbiome composition and diversity

Science ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 352 (6285) ◽  
pp. 565-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Zhernakova ◽  
Alexander Kurilshikov ◽  
Marc Jan Bonder ◽  
Ettje F. Tigchelaar ◽  
Melanie Schirmer ◽  
...  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Lymberopoulos ◽  
Giorgia Isabella Gentili ◽  
Muhannad Alomari ◽  
Nikhil Sharma

Background: There is growing interest in the connection between the gut microbiome and human health and disease. Conventional approaches to analyse microbiome data typically entail dimensionality reduction and assume linearity of the observed relationships, however, the microbiome is a highly complex ecosystem marked by non-linear relationships. In this study, we use topological data analysis (TDA) to explore differences and similarities between the gut microbiome across several countries.Methods: We used curated adult microbiome data at the genus level from the GMrepo database. The dataset contains OTU and demographical data of over 4,400 samples from 19 studies, spanning 12 countries. We analysed the data with tmap, an integrative framework for TDA specifically designed for stratification and enrichment analysis of population-based gut microbiome datasets.Results: We find associations between specific microbial genera and groups of countries. Specifically, both the USA and UK were significantly co-enriched with the proinflammatory genera Lachnoclostridium and Ruminiclostridium, while France and New Zealand were co-enriched with other, butyrate-producing, taxa of the order Clostridiales.Conclusion: The TDA approach demonstrates the overlap and distinctions of microbiome composition between and within countries. This yields unique insights into complex associations in the dataset, a finding not possible with conventional approaches. It highlights the potential utility of TDA as a complementary tool in microbiome research, particularly for large population-scale datasets, and suggests further analysis on the effects of diet and other regionally varying factors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 514-514
Author(s):  
Zhangling Chen ◽  
Djawad Radjabzadeh ◽  
Arfan Ikram ◽  
Andre Uitterlinden ◽  
Robert Kraaij ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Effects of diet on health and disease risk may be mediated by changes in gut microbiome composition. Our aim was to examine associations between intake of food groups and overall diet quality with gut microbiome composition in a large population-based cohort. Methods We analyzed data of 1130 participants (median age 57 years) from the Rotterdam Study, a population-based cohort study in the Netherlands. We measured dietary intake using a 389-item FFQ, and assessed adherence to dietary guidelines for 14 food groups and combined into a diet quality score. We assessed gut microbiome composition using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Data were available for 11 phyla, 19 classes, 25 orders, 44 families, and 184 genera. Alpha diversity was quantified by Shannon index and Richness, and beta diversity was qualified by Bray-Curtis distance. We used linear models to examine associations with Shannon index and Richness, Adonis function to examine variations of Bray-Curtis distance, and Multivariate Association with Linear Models to examine associations with gut microbial communities. Models were adjusted for technical covariates, energy intake, age, sex, physical activity, education, smoking and BMI. Results After adjustment, higher diet quality was associated with more alpha diversity and explained part of the variation in beta diversity (P < 0.001). Overall diet quality was associated with relative abundance of four families (Erysipelotrichaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Christensenellaceae), and 15 genera (Torques group, RuminococcaceaeUCG002, RuminococcaceaeUCG003, RuminococcaceaeUCG005, RuminococcaceaeUCG010, Xylanophilum group, Blautia, RuminococcaceaeNK4A214 group, Eligens group, Coprococcus3, Senegalimassilia, Lachnospira, Halliigroup, ChristensenellaceaeR7 group, Ventriosum group) (adjusted p: q < 0.05). Results were not explained by any single food group. Higher intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and tea, and lower intake of red meat and alcohol were all related to microbiome composition. Replication analyses are ongoing. Conclusions Better overall diet quality may improve overall gut microbial diversity. Furthermore, diet quality may influence abundance of certain gut microbial communities, several of which have previously been linked to lower risk of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Funding Sources N/A.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaro Salosensaari ◽  
Ville Laitinen ◽  
Aki S. Havulinna ◽  
Guillaume Meric ◽  
Susan Cheng ◽  
...  

AbstractThe collection of fecal material and developments in sequencing technologies have enabled standardised and non-invasive gut microbiome profiling. Microbiome composition from several large cohorts have been cross-sectionally linked to various lifestyle factors and diseases. In spite of these advances, prospective associations between microbiome composition and health have remained uncharacterised due to the lack of sufficiently large and representative population cohorts with comprehensive follow-up data. Here, we analyse the long-term association between gut microbiome variation and mortality in a well-phenotyped and representative population cohort from Finland (n = 7211). We report robust taxonomic and functional microbiome signatures related to the Enterobacteriaceae family that are associated with mortality risk during a 15-year follow-up. Our results extend previous cross-sectional studies, and help to establish the basis for examining long-term associations between human gut microbiome composition, incident outcomes, and general health status.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Verhaar ◽  
D Collard ◽  
A Prodan ◽  
J.H.M Levels ◽  
A.H Zwinderman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Gut microbiome composition is shaped by a combination of host genetic make-up and dietary habits. In addition, large ethnic differences exist in microbiome composition. Several studies in humans and animals have shown that differences in gut microbiota and its metabolites, including short chain fatty acids (SCFA), are associated with blood pressure (BP). We hypothesized that gut microbiome composition and its metabolites may be differently associated with BP across ethnic groups. Purpose To investigate associations of gut microbiome composition and fecal SCFA levels with BP across different ethnic groups. Methods We assessed the association between gut microbiome composition and office BP among 4672 subjects (mean age 49.8±11.7 years, 52%F) of 6 different ethnic groups participating in the HELIUS study. Gut microbiome composition was determined using 16S rRNA sequencing. Associations between microbiome composition and blood pressure were assessed using machine learning prediction models. The resulting best predictors were correlated with BP using Spearman's rank correlations. Fecal SCFA levels were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography in an age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched subgroup of 200 participants with either extreme low or high systolic BP. Differences in abundances of best predictors and fecal SCFA levels between high and low BP groups were assessed with Mann-Whitney U tests. Results Gut microbiome composition explained 4.4% of systolic BP variance. Best predictors for systolic BP included Roseburia spp. (ρ −0.15, p<0.001), Clostridium spp. (ρ −0.14, p<0.001), Romboutsia spp. (ρ −0.10, p<0.001), and Ruminococceae spp. (ρ −0.15, p<0.001) (Figure 1). Explained variance of the microbiome composition was highest in Dutch subjects (4.8%), but very low in African Surinamese, Ghanaian, and Turkish ethnic groups (ranging from 0–0.77%) Hence, we selected only participants with Dutch ethnicity for the matched subgroup. Participants with high BP had lower abundance of Roseburia hominis (p<0.01) and Roseburia spp. (p<0.05) compared to participants with low BP. However, fecal acetate (p<0.05) and propionate (p<0.01) levels were higher in participants with high BP. Conclusions In this cross-sectional study, gut microbiome composition was moderately associated with BP. Associations were strongly divergent between ethnic groups, with strongest associations in Dutch participants. Intriguingly, while Dutch participants with high BP had lower abundances of several SCFA-producing microbes, they had higher fecal SCFA levels. Intervention studies with SCFAs could provide more insight in the effects of these metabolites on BP. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The Academic Medical Center (AMC) of Amsterdam and the Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD Amsterdam) provided core financial support for HELIUS. The HELIUS study is also funded by research grants of the Dutch Heart Foundation (Hartstichting; grant no. 2010T084), the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMw; grant no. 200500003), the European Integration Fund (EIF; grant no. 2013EIF013) and the European Union (Seventh Framework Programme, FP-7; grant no. 278901).


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander L. Carlson ◽  
Kai Xia ◽  
M. Andrea Azcarate-Peril ◽  
Samuel P. Rosin ◽  
Jason P. Fine ◽  
...  

AbstractExperimental manipulation of gut microbes in animal models alters fear behavior and relevant neurocircuitry. In humans, the first year of life is a key period for brain development, the emergence of fearfulness, and the establishment of the gut microbiome. Variation in the infant gut microbiome has previously been linked to cognitive development, but its relationship with fear behavior and neurocircuitry is unknown. In this pilot study of 34 infants, we find that 1-year gut microbiome composition (Weighted Unifrac; lower abundance of Bacteroides, increased abundance of Veillonella, Dialister, and Clostridiales) is significantly associated with increased fear behavior during a non-social fear paradigm. Infants with increased richness and reduced evenness of the 1-month microbiome also display increased non-social fear. This study indicates associations of the human infant gut microbiome with fear behavior and possible relationships with fear-related brain structures on the basis of a small cohort. As such, it represents an important step in understanding the role of the gut microbiome in the development of human fear behaviors, but requires further validation with a larger number of participants.


Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 726
Author(s):  
Ronald Biemann ◽  
Enrico Buß ◽  
Dirk Benndorf ◽  
Theresa Lehmann ◽  
Kay Schallert ◽  
...  

Gut microbiota-mediated inflammation promotes obesity-associated low-grade inflammation, which represents a hallmark of metabolic syndrome. To investigate if lifestyle-induced weight loss (WL) may modulate the gut microbiome composition and its interaction with the host on a functional level, we analyzed the fecal metaproteome of 33 individuals with metabolic syndrome in a longitudinal study before and after lifestyle-induced WL in a well-defined cohort. The 6-month WL intervention resulted in reduced BMI (−13.7%), improved insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR, −46.1%), and reduced levels of circulating hsCRP (−39.9%), indicating metabolic syndrome reversal. The metaprotein spectra revealed a decrease of human proteins associated with gut inflammation. Taxonomic analysis revealed only minor changes in the bacterial composition with an increase of the families Desulfovibrionaceae, Leptospiraceae, Syntrophomonadaceae, Thermotogaceae and Verrucomicrobiaceae. Yet we detected an increased abundance of microbial metaprotein spectra that suggest an enhanced hydrolysis of complex carbohydrates. Hence, lifestyle-induced WL was associated with reduced gut inflammation and functional changes of human and microbial enzymes for carbohydrate hydrolysis while the taxonomic composition of the gut microbiome remained almost stable. The metaproteomics workflow has proven to be a suitable method for monitoring inflammatory changes in the fecal metaproteome.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Mogouong ◽  
Philippe Constant ◽  
Pierre Legendre ◽  
Claude Guertin

AbstractThe microbiome composition of living organisms is closely linked to essential functions determining the fitness of the host for thriving and adapting to a particular ecosystem. Although multiple factors, including the developmental stage, the diet, and host-microbe coevolution have been reported to drive compositional changes in the microbiome structures, very few attempts have been made to disentangle their various contributions in a global approach. Here, we focus on the emerald ash borer (EAB), an herbivorous pest and a real threat to North American ash tree species, to explore the responses of the adult EAB gut microbiome to ash leaf properties, and to identify potential predictors of EAB microbial variations. The relative contributions of specific host plant properties, namely bacterial and fungal communities on leaves, phytochemical composition, and the geographical coordinates of the sampling sites, to the EAB gut microbial community was examined by canonical analyses. The composition of the phyllosphere microbiome appeared to be a strong predictor of the microbial community structure in EAB guts, explaining 53 and 48% of the variation in fungi and bacteria, respectively. This study suggests a potential covariation of the microorganisms associated with food sources and the insect gut microbiome.


mSystems ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ce Yuan ◽  
Michael B. Burns ◽  
Subbaya Subramanian ◽  
Ran Blekhman

ABSTRACT Although variation in gut microbiome composition has been linked with colorectal cancer (CRC), the factors that mediate the interactions between CRC tumors and the microbiome are poorly understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to regulate CRC progression and are associated with patient survival outcomes. In addition, recent studies suggested that host miRNAs can also regulate bacterial growth and influence the composition of the gut microbiome. Here, we investigated the association between miRNA expression and microbiome composition in human CRC tumor and normal tissues. We identified 76 miRNAs as differentially expressed (DE) in tissue from CRC tumors and normal tissue, including the known oncogenic miRNAs miR-182, miR-503, and mir-17~92 cluster. These DE miRNAs were correlated with the relative abundances of several bacterial taxa, including Firmicutes , Bacteroidetes , and Proteobacteria . Bacteria correlated with DE miRNAs were enriched with distinct predicted metabolic categories. Additionally, we found that miRNAs that correlated with CRC-associated bacteria are predicted to regulate targets that are relevant for host-microbiome interactions and highlight a possible role for miRNA-driven glycan production in the recruitment of pathogenic microbial taxa. Our work characterized a global relationship between microbial community composition and miRNA expression in human CRC tissues. IMPORTANCE Recent studies have found an association between colorectal cancer (CRC) and the gut microbiota. One potential mechanism by which the microbiota can influence host physiology is through affecting gene expression in host cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that can regulate gene expression and have important roles in cancer development. Here, we investigated the link between the gut microbiota and the expression of miRNA in CRC. We found that dozens of miRNAs are differentially regulated in CRC tumors and adjacent normal colon and that these miRNAs are correlated with the abundance of microbes in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we found that microbes that have been previously associated with CRC are correlated with miRNAs that regulate genes related to interactions with microbes. Notably, these miRNAs likely regulate glycan production, which is important for the recruitment of pathogenic microbial taxa to the tumor. This work provides a first systems-level map of the association between microbes and host miRNAs in the context of CRC and provides targets for further experimental validation and potential interventions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanthi G. Parkar ◽  
Jovyn K. T. Frost ◽  
Doug Rosendale ◽  
Halina M. Stoklosinski ◽  
Carel M. H. Jobsis ◽  
...  

AbstractEight plant-based foods: oat flour and pureed apple, blackcurrant, carrot, gold- and green-fleshed kiwifruit, pumpkin, sweetcorn, were pre-digested and fermented with pooled inocula of weaning infants’ faecal bacteria in an in vitro hindgut model. Inulin and water were included as controls. The pre-digested foods were analysed for digestion-resistant fibre-derived sugar composition and standardised to the same total fibre concentration prior to fermentation. The food-microbiome interactions were then characterised by measuring microbial acid and gas metabolites, microbial glycosidase activity and determining microbiome structure. At the physiologically relevant time of 10 h of fermentation, the xyloglucan-rich apple and blackcurrant favoured a propiogenic metabolic and microbiome profile with no measurable gas production. Glucose-rich, xyloglucan-poor pumpkin caused the greatest increases in lactate and acetate (indicative of high fermentability) commensurate with increased bifidobacteria. Glucose-rich, xyloglucan-poor oats and sweetcorn, and arabinogalactan-rich carrot also increased lactate and acetate, and were more stimulatory of clostridial families, which are indicative of increased microbial diversity and gut and immune health. Inulin favoured a probiotic-driven consortium, while water supported a proteolytic microbiome. This study shows that the fibre-derived sugar composition of complementary foods may shape infant gut microbiome structure and metabolic activity, at least in vitro.


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