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Engineering Human Microbiota: Influencing Cellular and Community Dynamics for Therapeutic Applications
S Woloszynek1, S Pastor2, J C Mell3
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America.
International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology
|March 28, 2016
Summary
Understanding the human microbiome is key, as researchers explore how microbial communities interact with our bodies. This study details strategies for engineering the microbiome to restore balance in unstable microbial ecosystems, like dysbiosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Human Physiology
- Microbiome Research
- Environmental Health
Background:
- The human microbiome's role in health and disease is a growing research area.
- High-throughput sequencing has advanced microbiome studies, revealing complex host-microbe interactions.
- Early research relied on correlative data, highlighting the need for experimental approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the intricate interplay between microbiota and host physiology.
- To detail strategies for manipulating and engineering the microbiome.
- To address the challenge of unstable microbial communities (dysbiosis).
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on microbiome engineering.
- Analysis of strategies for reestablishing microbial community stability.
- Discussion of techniques including intermicrobial communication, designer probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and synthetic biology.
Main Results:
- The study highlights the transition from correlative to experimental microbiome research.
- It emphasizes the potential of microbiome engineering to address health issues.
- Key strategies for restoring microbial balance are presented.
Conclusions:
- Microbiome engineering offers promising avenues for therapeutic interventions.
- Understanding and manipulating host-microbe interactions is crucial for health.
- Restoring microbial ecosystem stability is a primary goal in microbiome research.
Keywords:
human microbiomemetabolic cross-feedingmicrobiota transplantationprebioticsprobioticsquorum sensingsynthetic consortiaMore Related Videos
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