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Updated: May 17, 2026
11:22
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Biodiversity and functional genomics in the human microbiome
Xochitl C Morgan1, Nicola Segata, Curtis Huttenhower
1Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Trends in Genetics : TIG
|November 13, 2012
Summary
The human microbiome, a vast collection of microbes, significantly impacts health and disease. Research is uncovering its complex roles and potential as diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Human Health
Background:
- Humans host a diverse community of microbes, forming the human microbiome.
- The collective genetic material of the microbiome (metagenome) greatly exceeds human genetic potential.
- The microbiome's influence on human health and disease is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current understanding of the human microbiome.
- To highlight the role of advanced technologies in microbiome research.
- To explore the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of the microbiome.
Main Methods:
- Leveraging advances in computing and high-throughput sequencing.
- Conducting population-level surveys (e.g., MetaHIT, Human Microbiome Project).
- Performing detailed investigations in human disease and mechanistic studies using model organisms.
Main Results:
- Assembled a comprehensive picture of microbiome composition and function across body sites.
- Characterized the range of microbial variation in humans.
- Identified complex host-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions.
Conclusions:
- The human microbiome plays a profound role in health and disease.
- Microbiome research offers potential for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- Continued investigation is crucial for fully understanding and utilizing the microbiome.
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