Functionally enriched human polymorphisms associate to species in the chronic wound microbiome.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Chronic wounds affect millions globally, necessitating novel treatments.
• Impaired wound healing is linked to wound microbiota composition.
• Human genetics may influence individual wound microbiome differences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of human genetics on chronic wound microbiome composition.
• To identify genetic loci associated with specific bacterial species in wounds.
• To explore the interplay between host genetics, wound microbiota, and healing.

Main Methods:

• A two-stage microbiome genome-wide association study (mbGWAS) was conducted.
• Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze wound microbiota.
• Statistical analyses identified associations between genetic loci and bacterial species abundances.

Main Results:

• Sixteen bacterial species showed significant associations with 193 genetic loci.
• Heritability estimates for species abundance ranged up to 20%.
• Genetics influenced pathways related to microbial infection and wound healing, and co-occurrence with pathogens like *Staphylococcus aureus*.

Conclusions:

• Host genetics significantly shape the chronic wound microbiome.
• Genetic biomarkers can provide mechanistic insights into patient-microbiome interactions.
• This research offers potential for identifying predictive risk factors for chronic wound management.