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Related Concept Videos

Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

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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,...
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Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

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The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
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The Oral Microbiota01:27

The Oral Microbiota

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The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
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Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract01:28

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

16
The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
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Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

1
The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more...
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The Skin Microbiota01:27

The Skin Microbiota

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The human skin serves as a complex ecosystem inhabited by a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining skin health and defending against pathogenic invaders. The composition of microbial communities varies significantly across different regions of the body, influenced primarily by the local levels of moisture and sebum.Regional Variation in Skin MicrobiotaCutibacterium acnes predominantly colonizes sebaceous...
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Studying the Human Microbiota.

Alan W Walker1

  • 1Microbiology Group, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK. alan.walker@abdn.ac.uk.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|May 11, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers explore various human microbiota study methods, from culturing to DNA sequencing. Understanding each technique's strengths and limitations is crucial for selecting the best approach for specific research goals.

Keywords:
FISHMetabolomicsMicrobiotaPCRProteomicsSequencingStable isotopeTechniques

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • The human microbiota plays a critical role in health and disease.
  • Advancements in molecular techniques have significantly boosted research into microbial inhabitants.
  • A wide array of methodologies exist for studying the human microbiota.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of widely used human microbiota research techniques.
  • To highlight the advantages and limitations of each method.
  • To guide researchers in selecting appropriate techniques for their objectives.

Main Methods:

  • Traditional culturing methods.
  • Next-generation DNA sequencing technologies.
  • Other molecular techniques.

Main Results:

  • Each technique offers unique insights into the human microbiota.
  • Culturing provides viable organisms but is limited in scope.
  • DNA sequencing offers comprehensive profiling but requires bioinformatics analysis.

Conclusions:

  • Selecting the optimal methodology depends on the specific research question.
  • A combination of techniques may be necessary for a holistic understanding.
  • Continued development of methodologies will further advance microbiota research.