Lecture 13: Fungi, Metagenomics and Human Microbiome

Study Notes

Metagenomics is the analysis of genetic material derived from microbial communities, revealing diversity and metabolic potential of microbial communities.
Metagenomics is a culture-independent approach, meaning it doesn't require cultivating microorganisms in a laboratory.

The human microbiome refers to the collection of all microorganisms living in association with the human body, also known as microbiota or microflora.
The Human Microbiome Project was launched in 2007 by the National Institute of Health to better understand the microbiome's role in human health and disease.

Metagenomic studies involve isolating, amplifying, and sequencing SSU rRNA genes from microbial communities.
This approach is used to define the microbiome, with studies indicating that 500-1000 different species of microbes live in the gut, representing all three domains.

The large intestine or colon has the largest microbial community in the body, home to one of the most diverse microbial communities on earth.
Counts of feces approach 10^12 microbes/gram, with over 1,000 different bacterial species identified in feces.
The metagenomic profile of colonic bacteria in healthy adults includes two major phyla: 60-80% Firmicutes (gram +) and 20-40% Bacteroidetes (gram -).

The vagus nerve connects the visceral organs and the brain, serving as an important communication pathway for the gut microbiota to influence the brain and behavior.
Microbial neurotransmitters, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), are chemicals produced by microorganisms that can interact with the nervous systems of host organisms.

Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut microbial community, which has been linked to various health issues, including obesity, type I diabetes, cancer, autism, depression, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.
Factors contributing to dysbiosis include antibiotic use, changes in diet and hygiene, and gain or loss of community members, leading to changes in relative abundance of microbes.
Manipulation of the microbiome is being explored as a new therapeutic strategy for these diseases.

Metagenomics is the analysis of genetic material derived from microbial communities, revealing diversity and metabolic potential of microbial communities.
Metagenomics is a culture-independent approach, meaning it doesn't require cultivating microorganisms in a laboratory.

The human microbiome refers to the collection of all microorganisms living in association with the human body, also known as microbiota or microflora.
The Human Microbiome Project was launched in 2007 by the National Institute of Health to better understand the microbiome's role in human health and disease.

Metagenomic studies involve isolating, amplifying, and sequencing SSU rRNA genes from microbial communities.
This approach is used to define the microbiome, with studies indicating that 500-1000 different species of microbes live in the gut, representing all three domains.

The large intestine or colon has the largest microbial community in the body, home to one of the most diverse microbial communities on earth.
Counts of feces approach 10^12 microbes/gram, with over 1,000 different bacterial species identified in feces.
The metagenomic profile of colonic bacteria in healthy adults includes two major phyla: 60-80% Firmicutes (gram +) and 20-40% Bacteroidetes (gram -).

The vagus nerve connects the visceral organs and the brain, serving as an important communication pathway for the gut microbiota to influence the brain and behavior.
Microbial neurotransmitters, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), are chemicals produced by microorganisms that can interact with the nervous systems of host organisms.

Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut microbial community, which has been linked to various health issues, including obesity, type I diabetes, cancer, autism, depression, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.
Factors contributing to dysbiosis include antibiotic use, changes in diet and hygiene, and gain or loss of community members, leading to changes in relative abundance of microbes.
Manipulation of the microbiome is being explored as a new therapeutic strategy for these diseases.