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Updated: May 30, 2026

Microbial Communities in Nature and Laboratory - Interview
Published on: May 28, 2007
The human metagenome: our other genome?
Thomas Brüls1, Jean Weissenbach
1DSV/IG/Genoscope, CEA, Evry, France.
Abstract:
For about a decade, the human microbiota has been investigated using molecular procedures that are now systematized via metagenomics. Several large scale studies are underway with the goal of establishing a set of reference data, such as catalogues of genes, microbial species and complete genome sequences of strains colonizing the various body sites. A first series of conclusions can be drawn from this 'natural history' approach that will also lay the ground for further studies aiming at understanding--in an ecological perspective--the mechanisms ensuring stable operation of the microbiota in healthy individuals, and how changes in its composition (dysbiosis) may result in diseases.
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