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Updated: May 30, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Comparative analysis of Korean human gut microbiota by barcoded pyrosequencing
Young-Do Nam1, Mi-Ja Jung, Seong Woon Roh
1Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
The human gut microbiome is host-specific and stable, but its composition varies by country. This study identified core Korean gut bacteria, including butyrate producers, highlighting national differences in microbial communities.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Human Gut Microbiome Research
- Genomics
Background:
- The human gut microbiota is crucial for host health, influencing digestion, immunity, and metabolism.
- Previous characterizations of gut microbiota have been limited, particularly for non-Western populations.
- Understanding gut microbial diversity is essential for comprehensive health insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the composition, host specificity, and temporal stability of the gut microbiota in a Korean cohort.
- To compare the Korean gut microbiota with those from other countries (USA, China, Japan).
- To identify core microbial species within the Korean gut microbiome.
Main Methods:
- Employed 454-pyrosequencing targeting the V1-V3 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene.
- Analyzed high-quality sequencing reads from 20 Korean individuals.
- Utilized UPGMA cluster analysis and UniFrac analysis for comparative and phylogenetic assessments.
Main Results:
- Gut microbial communities were dominated by Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Proteobacteria.
- Microbiota composition demonstrated host specificity and temporal stability, with fluctuations in relative abundance.
- Identified 43 core Korean gut microbiota phylotypes, with 15 related to butyrate-producing bacteria.
- UniFrac analysis revealed significant differences in gut microbiota between countries, with less variation among individual Koreans.
Conclusions:
- Human gut microbial composition is country-specific, influenced by factors like host genetics and diet.
- The Korean gut microbiota exhibits distinct characteristics compared to other studied populations.
- Further research into country-specific gut microbiomes can enhance our understanding of host-microbe interactions and health outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to the Human Microbiota
Modern Molecular Taxonomy
Development of Human Microbiota
Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine
Probiotics

