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Human pharyngeal microbiota in age-related macular degeneration
Eliza Xin Pei Ho1, Chui Ming Gemmy Cheung2, Shuzhen Sim1
1Genome Institute of Singapore,Singapore, Singapore.
Background:
While the aetiology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)-a major blinding disease-remains unknown, the disease is strongly associated with variants in the complement factor H (CFH) gene. CFH variants also confer susceptibility to invasive infection with several bacterial colonizers of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. This shared susceptibility locus implicates complement deregulation as a common disease mechanism, and suggests the possibility that microbial interactions with host complement may trigger AMD. In this study, we address this possibility by testing the hypothesis that AMD is associated with specific microbial colonization of the human nasopharynx.
Results:
High-throughput Illumina sequencing of the V3-V6 region of the microbial 16S ribosomal RNA gene was used to comprehensively and accurately describe the human pharyngeal microbiome, at genus level, in 245 AMD patients and 386 controls. Based on mean and differential microbial abundance analyses, we determined an overview of the pharyngeal microbiota, as well as candidate genera (Prevotella and Gemella) suggesting an association towards AMD health and disease conditions.
Conclusions:
Utilizing an extensive study population from Singapore, our results provided an accurate description of the pharyngeal microbiota profiles in AMD health and disease conditions. Through identification of candidate genera that are different between conditions, we provide preliminary evidence for the existence of microbial triggers for AMD. Ethical approval for this study was obtained through the Singapore Health Clinical Institutional Review Board, reference numbers R799/63/2010 and 2010/585/A.
Insights
Specific bacteria in the throat may trigger age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study analyzed the pharyngeal microbiome in AMD patients and controls, identifying potential microbial links to the blinding disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness with unknown etiology.
- AMD is strongly linked to complement factor H (CFH) gene variants, which also increase susceptibility to bacterial infections.
- This suggests complement dysregulation may be a common mechanism, potentially triggered by microbial interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that AMD is associated with specific microbial colonization in the human nasopharynx.
- To explore the role of the pharyngeal microbiome in the development of AMD.
Main Methods:
- High-throughput Illumina sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene (V3-V6 region) was employed.
- The pharyngeal microbiome was analyzed at the genus level in 245 AMD patients and 386 controls.
- Mean and differential microbial abundance analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive description of the pharyngeal microbiota in AMD patients and controls was generated.
- Candidate genera, Prevotella and Gemella, were identified as potentially associated with AMD.
- Differences in microbial abundance between AMD and control groups were observed.
Conclusions:
- The study provides an accurate profile of the pharyngeal microbiota in relation to AMD.
- Preliminary evidence suggests specific microbial genera may act as triggers for AMD.
- Findings highlight the potential role of microbial-host complement interactions in AMD pathogenesis.
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