Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Applying Advanced In Vitro Culturing Technology to Study the Human Gut Microbiota
Published on: February 15, 2019
Subsistence strategies in traditional societies distinguish gut microbiomes
Alexandra J Obregon-Tito1, Raul Y Tito2, Jessica Metcalf3
11] Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Dale Hall Tower, 521 Norman, Oklahoma 73019, USA [2] Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima 18, Perú [3] City of Hope, NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA.
Abstract:
Recent studies suggest that gut microbiomes of urban-industrialized societies are different from those of traditional peoples. Here we examine the relationship between lifeways and gut microbiota through taxonomic and functional potential characterization of faecal samples from hunter-gatherer and traditional agriculturalist communities in Peru and an urban-industrialized community from the US. We find that in addition to taxonomic and metabolic differences between urban and traditional lifestyles, hunter-gatherers form a distinct sub-group among traditional peoples. As observed in previous studies, we find that Treponema are characteristic of traditional gut microbiomes. Moreover, through genome reconstruction (2.2-2.5 MB, coverage depth × 26-513) and functional potential characterization, we discover these Treponema are diverse, fall outside of pathogenic clades and are similar to Treponema succinifaciens, a known carbohydrate metabolizer in swine. Gut Treponema are found in non-human primates and all traditional peoples studied to date, suggesting they are symbionts lost in urban-industrialized societies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Functions of the Gut Microbiota
Microbiota of the Large Intestine
Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine
Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Development of Human Microbiota
Introduction to the Human Microbiota

