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Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

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The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
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Functions of the Gut Microbiota01:18

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The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...
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The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
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Microbiota of the Large Intestine01:27

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The large intestine hosts the most densely populated microbial ecosystem in the human body. This complex community primarily consists of anaerobic bacteria, with Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) and Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) as the predominant groups. The distribution of these microbes varies along different sections of the large intestine, influenced by local environmental factors such as oxygen availability and nutrient composition.The cecum, located at the beginning of the large...
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Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

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Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity,...
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Probiotics01:22

Probiotics

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Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
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Modulating microbial intake helps to maintain the gut microbiome diversity.

Vitor M Marquioni1, Ann-Cathrin Hofacker2, Jocksan V Villavicencio3

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Optimizing animal gut microbiome diversity is key for host health. This study identifies a Maximal Diversity Strategy (MDS) by modeling microbial migration from food and probiotics to enhance gut microbial communities.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbial Ecology
  • Host-Microbiome Interactions
  • Community Assembly

Background:

  • Gut microbiome diversity impacts host health, with lower diversity linked to pathology.
  • While food's nutritional content is studied, its microbial contribution to gut assembly is less understood.
  • Optimal dosing for probiotics remains an open question.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To model the effect of microbial migration bursts from feeding and probiotics on gut microbial alpha-diversity.
  • To identify feeding parameters that maximize gut microbial diversity.
  • To provide insights into optimizing live biotherapeutic product intake protocols.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a mathematical model to track microbial migration and its impact on gut alpha-diversity.
  • Utilized numerical simulations and analytical techniques.
  • Investigated the influence of feeding interval, food microbial content, and probiotic administration.

Main Results:

  • Identified a Maximal Diversity Strategy (MDS) involving specific feeding parameters (interval, microbial content) that maximizes gut Shannon alpha-diversity.
  • In diversity maximization scenarios with many microbial types, gut diversity converges to food diversity, and feeding rate matches clearance rate.
  • Results are robust to parameter distribution choices and minor dispersal noise.

Conclusions:

  • Optimal feeding strategies can significantly enhance gut microbial diversity.
  • The study provides a framework for quantitative ecological control in managing gut microbiomes.
  • Findings support the potential for improving live biotherapeutic product administration protocols.