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Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

Correlation between the human fecal microbiota and depression.

A Naseribafrouei¹, K Hestad, E Avershina

¹Faculty of Education and Science, Hedmark University College, Hamar, Norway.

Neurogastroenterology and Motility

|June 4, 2014

Summary

This study explored the link between gut bacteria and depression in humans. Researchers found specific bacterial groups, Oscillibacter and Alistipes, were significantly associated with depression, suggesting potential mechanistic models for this complex condition.

Keywords:

16SrRNA gene Illumina deep sequencing depression gut microbiota

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Area of Science:

Microbiology
Neuroscience
Human Health

Background:

Depression pathogenesis involves genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
Gut microbiota-depression links are established in animal models but less so in humans.
Human fecal microbiota serves as a proxy for gut microbiota.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify potential correlations between human fecal microbiota and depression.
To investigate the relationship between specific bacterial taxa and depressive symptoms.

Main Methods:

Analysis of fecal samples from 55 individuals (37 patients, 18 controls).
Utilized Illumina deep sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons.
Examined Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) and their association with depression.

Main Results:

Several correlations between fecal microbiota and depression were identified.
The order Bacteroidales was overrepresented (p=0.05) and Lachnospiraceae underrepresented (p=0.02) in depression.
Specific clades within Oscillibacter (five OTUs, p=0.03) and Alistipes (four OTUs, p=0.01) showed significant association with depression.

Conclusions:

Oscillibacter produces valeric acid, a GABA homolog; Alistipes is linked to stress in mice.
Detected taxonomic correlations may align with mechanistic models of depression.
Further research can explore the functional roles of these bacteria in depression.