Translating Microbiome Research From and To the Clinic
Zhenrun J Zhang1, Christopher J Lehmann2, Cody G Cole1,3
1Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Annual Review of Microbiology
|June 2, 2022
Summary
The gut microbiota significantly impacts human health, influencing disease susceptibility and resistance. Emerging research explores manipulating the gut microbiome for therapeutic benefits, bridging the gap between lab discoveries and clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Human Health
- Disease Research
Background:
- The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining human health.
- Extensive research links gut microbial composition to various diseases.
- Understanding this connection is vital for medical advancements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current clinical and laboratory studies on the gut microbiota and human diseases.
- To highlight translational research on microbiome manipulation for disease treatment.
- To discuss challenges and opportunities in clinical microbiome research.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical studies.
- Analysis of laboratory-based experimental research.
- Examination of translational studies on microbiome therapeutics.
Main Results:
- The gut microbiota is strongly associated with numerous human diseases.
- Therapeutic manipulation of the gut microbiota shows promise.
- Translational research is advancing microbiome-based treatments.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiota is a key factor in health and disease.
- Microbiome-targeted therapies offer new treatment avenues.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in clinical translation.
Related Concept Videos
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
384
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
384
Applications of Molecular Taxonomy
122
Molecular taxonomy has revolutionized the understanding and classification of bacteria, providing precise insights into their diversity, evolutionary relationships, and ecological roles. By utilizing molecular techniques such as DNA sequencing and fingerprinting, researchers have made significant strides in various fields related to bacterial studies.Resolving Taxonomic AmbiguitiesMolecular taxonomy has been instrumental in distinguishing closely related bacterial species initially thought to...
122
Key Techniques in Microbiology
588
Aseptic techniques prevent contamination, ensure experimental accuracy, and protect researchers and microbial cultures. These techniques are essential in clinical, industrial, and research settings where sterility is required.Maintaining Sterility in Laboratory PracticesScientists maintain sterility by sterilizing tools with heat or chemicals, disinfecting work surfaces, and handling cultures in controlled environments. Working near an open flame or within a laminar flow hood reduces the risk...
588
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
5.3K
Mass spectrometry is a powerful characterization technique that can identify and separate a wide variety of compounds ranging from chemical to biological entities, based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). The instruments that allow this detection, known as mass spectrometers, have three components: an ion source, a mass analyzer, and a detector. These spectrometers differ based on the nature of their ion source and analyzers.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) is a commonly...
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) is a commonly...
5.3K
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
309
Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
309
Modern Molecular Taxonomy
161
Advancements in molecular biology have revolutionized the identification and characterization of bacteria, with multiple methods leveraging DNA sequencing for enhanced precision. As sequencing technologies improve and costs decline, these approaches are increasingly used in clinical, environmental, and evolutionary studies.Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) examines several housekeeping genes, essential chromosomal genes encoding cellular functions, to distinguish strains. Approximately...
161


