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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...
Human Virome01:26

Human Virome

The human body harbors a vast and diverse viral community known as the human virome. The virome includes bacteriophages that infect bacteria, and eukaryotic viruses that infect human cells. Transient dietary and environmental viruses also contribute to this dynamic ecosystem. Estimates suggest the human body may contain on the order of 10¹³ viral particles, though abundance varies widely by body site and detection method.Comprehensive characterization of the virome has become possible only with...
Genomics02:02

Genomics

Genomics is the science of genomes: it is the study of all the genetic material of an organism. In humans, the genome consists of information carried in 23 pairs of chromosomes in the nucleus, as well as mitochondrial DNA. In genomics, both coding and non-coding DNA is sequenced and analyzed. Genomics allows a better understanding of all living things, their evolution, and their diversity. It has a myriad of uses: for example, to build phylogenetic trees, to improve productivity and...
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...
Evolution of Microbial Genome01:08

Evolution of Microbial Genome

Microbial genome evolution is a highly dynamic process shaped by continual gene gain and loss across species and strains. This genomic flexibility allows microorganisms to adapt rapidly to environmental pressures and interactions with other organisms. Central to understanding this diversity is the distinction between the core and pan genomes.The core genome comprises the genes shared by all sampled strains of a species, representing essential functions needed for fundamental cellular processes.
The Oral Microbiota01:27

The Oral Microbiota

The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...

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Microbial Communities in Nature and Laboratory - Interview
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Published on: May 28, 2007

The Human Microbiome Project: lessons from human genomics.

Cecil M Lewis1, Alexandra Obregón-Tito, Raul Y Tito

  • 1Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA. cmlewis@ou.edu

Trends in Microbiology
|November 25, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The Human Microbiome Project (HMP) should prioritize rare genetic variations and ethical community engagement. De-emphasizing immediate medical benefits offers a more sustainable research path.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Bioethics

Background:

  • The Human Genome Project (HGP) faced challenges with medical applications.
  • The Human Microbiome Project (HMP) risks similar outcomes.
  • A proactive strategy is needed for HMP success.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a revised strategic direction for the Human Microbiome Project.
  • To mitigate potential disappointment regarding medical applications.
  • To ensure ethical research practices and community involvement.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzing the limitations of the Human Genome Project's approach.
  • Identifying key areas for strategic adjustment in microbiome research.
  • Recommending specific recruitment and ethical inclusion strategies.

Main Results:

  • HMP can avoid HGP's pitfalls by focusing on rare variations.
  • Early ethical engagement with indigenous communities is crucial.
  • De-emphasizing immediate medical benefits can foster long-term progress.

Conclusions:

  • A wiser path for HMP involves ethical considerations and diverse genetic focus.
  • This approach can lead to more robust and accepted scientific discoveries.
  • HMP can achieve greater success by learning from HGP's experiences.