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Related Concept Videos

Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...
Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
Microbiota of the Large Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Large Intestine

The large intestine hosts the most densely populated microbial ecosystem in the human body. This complex community primarily consists of anaerobic bacteria, with Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) and Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) as the predominant groups. The distribution of these microbes varies along different sections of the large intestine, influenced by local environmental factors such as oxygen availability and nutrient composition.The cecum, located at the beginning of the large...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Functions of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...
Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

A Double Humanized BLT-mice Model Featuring a Stable Human-Like Gut Microbiome and Human Immune System
07:32

A Double Humanized BLT-mice Model Featuring a Stable Human-Like Gut Microbiome and Human Immune System

Published on: August 30, 2019

Human distal gut microbiome.

Julian R Marchesi1

  • 1School of Biosciences, Museum Avenue, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK. marchesijr@cardiff.ac.uk

Environmental Microbiology
|September 13, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The distal gut microbiome is a key area for understanding human biology. Advances in omics technologies are revealing the functions of these gut microbes.

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Applying Advanced In Vitro Culturing Technology to Study the Human Gut Microbiota
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Applying Advanced In Vitro Culturing Technology to Study the Human Gut Microbiota

Published on: February 15, 2019

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Last Updated: May 29, 2026

A Double Humanized BLT-mice Model Featuring a Stable Human-Like Gut Microbiome and Human Immune System
07:32

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Published on: August 30, 2019

Applying Advanced In Vitro Culturing Technology to Study the Human Gut Microbiota
06:23

Applying Advanced In Vitro Culturing Technology to Study the Human Gut Microbiota

Published on: February 15, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Human Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • The distal gut and its microbiota represent a novel area for human biology and evolution research.
  • Culture-independent methods, particularly 16S rRNA gene sequencing, have identified major bacterial taxa in the distal gut.
  • The field is transitioning from taxonomic identification to functional characterization of the gut microbiome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in the study of the distal gut microbiome.
  • To explore the application of various 'omic' technologies in understanding microbial communities.
  • To define the composition and function of the distal gut microbial collection.

Main Methods:

  • Systems biology approaches integrating multiple 'omic' technologies.
  • Sequencing technologies for microbial community analysis.
  • Culture-independent methods like 16S rRNA gene inventories.

Main Results:

  • Identification of dominant bacterial taxonomic groups in the distal gut.
  • Emerging understanding of the functional roles within the distal gut microbiome.
  • Application of omics technologies provides a comprehensive view of microbial communities.

Conclusions:

  • The distal gut microbiome is crucial for human biology and evolution.
  • 'Omic' technologies are essential for functional and taxonomic characterization.
  • Continued research will further elucidate the complex microbial ecosystem of the distal gut.