Human gut microbiome viewed across age and geography

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Human Genetics
• Population Health

Background:

• Gut microbial communities contribute to human genetic and metabolic diversity.
• Understanding population-specific microbiome differences is crucial for human health research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize bacterial species and gene content in fecal samples from diverse human populations.
• To investigate how gut microbiomes differ among children and adults across different geographical locations and lifestyles.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of bacterial species composition in fecal samples from 531 individuals.
• Characterization of functional gene content in 110 individuals.
• Comparison of microbiome data from the Amazonas of Venezuela, rural Malawi, and US metropolitan areas, including twins.

Main Results:

• Identified shared features in the functional maturation of the gut microbiome during the first three years of life across populations.
• Observed age-associated changes in genes related to vitamin biosynthesis and metabolism.
• Noted pronounced differences in bacterial assemblages and functional gene repertoires between US residents and individuals from Venezuela and Malawi, evident from infancy to adulthood.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiome composition and function vary significantly between Westernized and non-Westernized populations.
• These differences are apparent early in life and persist into adulthood.
• Consideration of the microbiome is essential for understanding human development, nutrition, physiology, and the effects of westernization.