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The Human Gut Phageome: Origins and Roles in the Human Gut Microbiome
Eleanor M Townsend1, Lucy Kelly1, George Muscatt1
1School of Life Sciences, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|June 21, 2021
Summary
The human gut phageome, comprised of viruses infecting bacteria, plays a crucial role in microbial community dynamics. This review explores phageome research methods, development, and its impact on human health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Virology
- Human gut ecology
Background:
- The human microbiome, including bacteria and fungi, is extensively studied.
- The gut phageome (bacteriophages) remains under-investigated despite its ecological importance.
- Bacteriophages influence bacterial population dynamics in various ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of bacteriophages in the human gut microbiome.
- To examine methodologies for studying the phageome.
- To discuss phageome development and influencing factors.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on bacteriophage research.
- Analysis of historical and current methods for phageome investigation.
- Synthesis of findings on phageome's role in health and disease.
Main Results:
- Bacteriophages are key regulators of bacterial populations in the gut.
- Phageome composition changes from infancy and is influenced by various factors.
- Understanding the phageome is critical for comprehending gut ecosystem function.
Conclusions:
- The human gut phageome is a vital, yet understudied, component of the microbiome.
- Further research into phageome dynamics is essential for understanding human health and disease.
- Advanced methodologies are improving our knowledge of gut viruses.
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