Microbiome Engineering Quiz

Study Notes

Definition: Modifying the microbiome to prevent or treat diseases
Approaches:
1. Recolonization: Introducing beneficial microorganisms to replace harmful ones
2. Microbiome editing: Using genetic engineering to modify microorganisms
3. Microbiome supplementation: Adding beneficial microorganisms to the microbiome
Goals:
- Restore balance to the microbiome
- Enhance immune system function
- Prevent disease-causing microorganisms from colonizing
Applications:
- Treating infectious diseases (e.g., C. difficile)
- Managing chronic diseases (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease)
- Improving mental health (e.g., anxiety, depression)

Definition: Preventing or reducing the growth of disease-causing microorganisms
Mechanisms:
1. Competition: Beneficial microorganisms outcompete pathogens for resources
2. Antimicrobial production: Beneficial microorganisms produce compounds that inhibit pathogens
3. Immune system modulation: Beneficial microorganisms stimulate the immune system to target pathogens
Strategies:
1. Probiotics: Administering live beneficial microorganisms to inhibit pathogens
2. Prebiotics: Providing nutrients that selectively promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms
3. Synbiotics: Combining probiotics and prebiotics to enhance pathogen inhibition
Applications:
- Preventing hospital-acquired infections
- Reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses
- Managing antibiotic-resistant infections

Microbiome engineering involves modifying the microbiome to prevent or treat diseases.
Recolonization aims to introduce beneficial microorganisms that can replace harmful ones present in the microbiome.
Microbiome editing employs genetic engineering techniques to alter specific microorganisms for therapeutic purposes.
Microbiome supplementation includes the addition of beneficial microorganisms to help support or restore microbiome health.
Main goals are to restore balance, enhance immune function, and prevent colonization by disease-causing microorganisms.
Applications include:
- Treating infectious diseases, such as Clostridium difficile infections.
- Managing chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.
- Improving mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

Pathogen inhibition focuses on preventing or reducing the growth of harmful microorganisms.
Key mechanisms include:
- Competition, whereby beneficial microorganisms compete with pathogens for nutrients and resources.
- Antimicrobial production, where beneficial microorganisms generate compounds that can inhibit pathogen growth.
- Immune system modulation, which involves stimulating the immune response to better target and eliminate pathogens.
Strategies for pathogen inhibition involve:
- Probiotics, which are live beneficial microorganisms that help inhibit pathogens when administered.
- Prebiotics, which provide specific nutrients that encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
- Synbiotics, combinations of probiotics and prebiotics designed to enhance pathogen inhibition efficiently.
Applications of pathogen inhibition include:
- Preventing hospital-acquired infections.
- Reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses.
- Managing infections that are resistant to antibiotics.