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Functions of the Gut Microbiota

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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...

Microbiota of the Large Intestine

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Introduction to the Human Microbiota

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,...

Microbial Interactions: Mutualism

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The Oral Microbiota

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Updated: May 1, 2026

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

Published on: July 31, 2019

Metabolic interplay between gut bacteria and their host.

Frank Duca¹, Philippe Gérard, Mihai Covasa

¹UMR1319, Micalis, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France.

Frontiers of Hormone Research

|April 16, 2014

Summary

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is linked to digestive and metabolic diseases like obesity. Understanding these gut bacteria changes is key to developing new therapies for metabolic disorders.

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Area of Science:

Microbiology
Metabolic Disorders
Gut Microbiome Research

Background:

Gut microbiota dysbiosis (shifts in bacterial composition) is associated with digestive issues like inflammatory bowel diseases.
Strong evidence links intestinal microbiota dysbiosis to metabolic disorders, including obesity and liver diseases, in human and animal studies.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine gut microbiota changes during diseased states.
To elucidate mechanisms by which aberrant gut microbiota promote metabolic dysregulations.
To discuss the role of the 'microbiota-gut-brain' axis in obesity and the utility of meta-omic technologies.

Main Methods:

Review of human studies and germ-free animal models.
Analysis of direct and indirect mechanisms of microbiota-induced metabolic dysregulation.
Exploration of meta-omic technologies for studying non-cultured gut bacteria.

Main Results:

Dysbiosis is a significant factor in digestive and metabolic diseases.
Aberrant gut microbiota can directly and indirectly cause metabolic dysregulations.
The 'microbiota-gut-brain' axis may play a role in obesity development.

Conclusions:

Understanding gut microbiota modifications in disease is crucial for therapeutic development.
New therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases may target the gut microbiota.
Meta-omic approaches offer insights into the functional impact of gut bacteria on host health.