Plasticity in the Human Gut Microbiome Defies Evolutionary Constraints

Area of Science:

• Primate evolutionary biology
• Microbiome research
• Human ecology

Background:

• Primate gut microbiome composition often mirrors host evolutionary history.
• Previous studies used limited primate comparisons.
• Understanding factors shaping primate gut microbiomes is crucial, especially for human populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the forces shaping primate gut microbiome composition.
• To compare microbiome diversity across 9 primate species and 4 human groups.
• To assess the influence of host phylogeny versus ecological factors.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of gut microbiome composition.
• Inclusion of 448 samples from diverse primate species and human groups.
• Analysis of taxonomic composition and diversity at the genus level.

Main Results:

• Human gut microbiome shows significant compositional plasticity.
• Nonindustrial humans share microbiome similarities with eclectic-foraging Old World monkeys, transcending host phylogeny.
• Nonindustrial humans and wild monkeys with eclectic diets exhibit higher gut microbiome diversity than industrialized humans or fiber-diet primates.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiome composition in humans and primates may not strictly follow evolutionary history.
• Ecological and nutritional factors likely play a significant role in shaping primate and human gut microbiomes.
• Understanding microbiome plasticity offers insights into human health and potential therapeutic interventions.