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Genetic influences on the human oral microbiome
Brittany A Demmitt1,2, Robin P Corley2,3, Brooke M Huibregtse2,3
1Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80304, USA.
BMC Genomics
|August 25, 2017
Summary
Human genes significantly influence the oral microbiome, with heritability confirmed in twin studies. Researchers identified two new genetic loci on chromosomes 7 and 12 associated with these heritable traits.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Human Health
Background:
- The human oral microbiome composition is influenced by environmental factors.
- The impact of human genes on the oral microbiome is not well understood.
- This study investigates genetic and environmental influences on the oral microbiome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the heritability of the human oral microbiome.
- To identify genetic loci associated with oral microbiome composition.
- To understand the role of genetics in oral microbiome stability.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 752 twin pairs from the Colorado Twin Registry.
- Comparison of monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins.
- Genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis.
Main Results:
- Oral microbiome beta-diversity is significantly lower in MZ twins, independent of cohabitation.
- Heritability estimates for several oral microbiome phenotypes exceeded 50%.
- Two novel loci on chromosomes 7 and 12 were identified and associated with heritable oral microbiome traits.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates that the human oral microbiome exhibits significant heritability.
- Two previously unidentified genetic loci associated with the oral microbiome were discovered.
- Genetic factors play a crucial role in shaping the composition and stability of the oral microbiome.
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