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An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
To engraft or not to engraft: an ecological framework for gut microbiome modulation with live microbes
Jens Walter1, María X Maldonado-Gómez2, Inés Martínez3
1Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, AB, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, AB, Canada.
Abstract:
Strategies aimed at modulating the gut microbiota by using live microbes range from single strains (probiotics or live biotherapeutics) to whole non-defined fecal transplants. Although often clinically efficacious, our understanding on how microbial-based strategies modulate gut microbiome composition and function is vastly incomplete. In this review, we present a framework based on ecological theory that provides mechanistic explanations for the findings obtained in studies that attempted to modulate the gut microbiota of humans and animals using live microbes. We argue that an ecological perspective grounded in theory is necessary to interpret and predict the impact of microbiome-modulating strategies and thus advance our ability to develop improved and targeted approaches with enhanced therapeutic efficiency.
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