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Our Microbiome: On the Challenges, Promises, and Hype
Sara Federici1, Jotham Suez1, Eran Elinav2
1Immunology Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation
|December 2, 2020
Summary
The human microbiome
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research and its impact on human health and disease.
Background:
- The human microbiome's role in multifactorial diseases is increasingly recognized.
- Technological advancements have enabled in-depth characterization of the microbiome.
- Growing evidence suggests microbiome's potential in medical diagnosis and patient stratification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize challenges and realistic promises of microbiome research.
- To discuss the clinical applicability of microbiome research.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of current microbiome research literature.
- Analysis of technical and conceptual limitations in the field.
- Discussion of potential microbiome-targeting therapeutics and applications.
Main Results:
- Microbiome research faces significant technical and conceptual challenges.
- Expectations for quick solutions to complex disorders are often over-hyped.
- Realistic promises include diagnostic tools and novel therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- The human microbiome holds significant potential for medical diagnosis and therapeutics.
- Addressing current challenges is crucial for realizing the clinical applications of microbiome research.
- Future directions involve developing microbiome-associated therapies like probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation.
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