Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Gut Microbiota Differences in Down Syndrome Are Most Pronounced in Childhood and Diminish With Age
Jesús M Pérez-Villarreal1,2, Wendy Gastélum Espinoza1,3, Kenia Esparza Ocampo1,3
1Posgrado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, uas.edu.mx.
Introduction:
Down syndrome (DS) is linked to increased risks of metabolic, gastrointestinal, and neurodegenerative disorders. Early alterations in the gut microbiota have potential long-term health impacts. This report appears to be the first study to stratify DS participants by age to explore early-life microbiota changes.
Methodology:
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of gut microbiota in children, adolescents, and adults with DS, compared with a control group, using Illumina iSeq100 sequencing of the V4 polymorphic region of the 16S rRNA gene.
Results:
Children with DS exhibited lower microbial diversity and a higher abundance of genera such as Sutterella and Enterococcus. These differences lessened in older groups, indicating a convergence with control profiles.
Conclusion:
Early alterations in gut microbiota in DS may contribute to metabolic and neurodegenerative risks, emphasizing the need for early interventions to potentially improve long-term health outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Development of Human Microbiota
Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics
Gut-Brain Axis
Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota
Microbiota of the Stomach and Small Intestine