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A Method for Targeted 16S Sequencing of Human Milk Samples
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A Method for Targeted 16S Sequencing of Human Milk Samples

Published on: March 23, 2018

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Networks of human milk microbiota are associated with host genomics, childhood asthma, and allergic sensitization

Zhi Yi Fang1, Sara A Stickley1, Amirthagowri Ambalavanan1

  • 1Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.

Cell Host & Microbe
|September 18, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Maternal genomics influences the human milk microbiota (HMM), impacting infant asthma and atopy risk. Specific microbial patterns and diversity in HMM are linked to childhood allergies, highlighting a crucial connection.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Pediatric Health

Background:

  • The human milk microbiota (HMM) is crucial for infant development, but its connection to asthma and atopy is not fully understood.
  • The influence of maternal genetics on HMM composition and its subsequent health implications requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal genomics, HMM composition, and the development of childhood asthma and atopy.
  • To identify specific microbial patterns within HMM linked to allergic diseases in infants.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal follow-up of 885 mother-offspring pairs from birth to 5 years within the CHILD Cohort Study.
  • Analysis of HMM composition, microbial network analysis, and genome-wide association studies (GWASs).
  • Assessment of childhood asthma and allergic sensitization (atopy) prevalence.

Main Results:

  • HMM composition is associated with maternal genomics and the prevalence of childhood asthma and atopy.
  • Specific microbial modules in HMM correlate with subsequent asthma and atopy.
  • Reduced alpha-diversity and increased Lawsonella abundance in HMM are linked to higher childhood atopy rates.
  • GWASs identified maternal genetic loci associated with HMM, Lawsonella, and alpha-diversity, implicating them in asthma and atopy.

Conclusions:

  • Host genomics significantly shapes the HMM.
  • HMM composition and diversity play a role in the development of childhood asthma and atopy.
  • This research provides insights into the interplay between maternal genetics, the milk microbiome, and infant allergic outcomes.

Keywords:
GWASsHMMallergic sensitizationasthmaatopyearly-life exposuresgenome-wide association studieshuman milk microbiotanetwork analysisprospective cohort study

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