A microbial perspective of human developmental biology

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Human Development
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Human development traditionally focuses on cellular and organ growth.
• Human-associated microbial communities play a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in development.
• Understanding the microbiome is key to a holistic view of human growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of microbial communities in human development.
• To propose novel strategies for disease prevention and treatment through a microbial lens.
• To advocate for new research infrastructure to study microbial development.

Main Methods:

• This study is a conceptual and proposal-based review.
• It synthesizes existing knowledge on the human microbiome and development.
• It calls for the establishment of specific research initiatives.

Main Results:

• A microbial perspective refines definitions of healthy prenatal and postnatal growth.
• Integrating microbiome research can lead to innovative disease prevention and treatment strategies.
• Global lifestyle and disease pattern changes necessitate new research approaches.

Conclusions:

• The human microbiome is integral to human development.
• Establishing 'human microbial observatories' is crucial for studying microbial community development.
• Research should focus on diverse birth cohorts to understand variations in microbial development.