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Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
The influence of host genetics on the microbiome
Alexandra Tabrett1, Matthew W Horton1
1Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, CH-8008, Switzerland.
Abstract:
It is well understood that genetic differences among hosts contribute to variation in pathogen susceptibility and the ability to associate with symbionts. However, it remains unclear just how influential host genes are in shaping the overall microbiome. Studies of both animal and plant microbial communities indicate that host genes impact species richness and the abundances of individual taxa. Analyses of beta diversity (that is, overall similarity), on the other hand, often conclude that hosts play a minor role in shaping microbial communities. In this review, we discuss recent attempts to identify the factors that shape host microbial communities and whether our understanding of these communities is affected by the traits chosen to represent them.
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