Compositional and functional features of the gastrointestinal microbiome and their effects on human health

Emily B. Hollister, Chunxu Gao, James Versalovic

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

399 Scopus citations

Abstract

The human gastrointestinal tract contains distinct microbial communities that differ in composition and function based on their location, as well as age, sex, race/ethnicity, and diet of their host. We describe the bacterial taxa present in different locations of the GI tract, and their specific metabolic features. The distinct features of these specific microbial communities might affect human health and disease. Several bacterial taxa and metabolic modules (biochemical functions) have been associated with human health and the absence of disease. Core features of the healthy microbiome might be defined and targeted to prevent disease and optimize human health.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1449-1458
Number of pages10
JournalGastroenterology
Volume146
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2014

Keywords

  • Gastrointestinal
  • HMP
  • Lumen
  • Metagenomics
  • Microbe
  • Mucosa

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology

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