{"title":"Predicting child health with gut microbiome development trajectories","authors":"Douglas E. Johnson, Roshonda B. Jones","doi":"10.1038/s41564-024-01920-6","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p>The human gut microbiome plays a vital role in aiding digestion, regulating host immunity, metabolism, protecting against pathogens and overall health<sup>1</sup>. In children, the development of the gut microbiome over the first two to three years of life is crucial, acting as a critical period that shapes lifelong health outcomes<sup>2</sup>. Despite its importance, our understanding of how the gut microbiome evolves in infancy and its implications for future health remains incomplete.</p><p>Developmental gut microbiome research has often relied on small-scale or cross-sectional studies, limiting our ability to track microbiota changes over time or predict their impact on future health outcomes. The work from Hickman and colleagues uses 16S rRNA gene sequencing and longitudinal statistical modelling to predict early microbiota development trajectories and link them to health outcomes over the first 5 years of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":18992,"journal":{"name":"Nature Microbiology","volume":"81 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":20.5000,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Nature Microbiology","FirstCategoryId":"99","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-024-01920-6","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"MICROBIOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The human gut microbiome plays a vital role in aiding digestion, regulating host immunity, metabolism, protecting against pathogens and overall health1. In children, the development of the gut microbiome over the first two to three years of life is crucial, acting as a critical period that shapes lifelong health outcomes2. Despite its importance, our understanding of how the gut microbiome evolves in infancy and its implications for future health remains incomplete.
Developmental gut microbiome research has often relied on small-scale or cross-sectional studies, limiting our ability to track microbiota changes over time or predict their impact on future health outcomes. The work from Hickman and colleagues uses 16S rRNA gene sequencing and longitudinal statistical modelling to predict early microbiota development trajectories and link them to health outcomes over the first 5 years of life.
期刊介绍:
Nature Microbiology aims to cover a comprehensive range of topics related to microorganisms. This includes:
Evolution: The journal is interested in exploring the evolutionary aspects of microorganisms. This may include research on their genetic diversity, adaptation, and speciation over time.
Physiology and cell biology: Nature Microbiology seeks to understand the functions and characteristics of microorganisms at the cellular and physiological levels. This may involve studying their metabolism, growth patterns, and cellular processes.
Interactions: The journal focuses on the interactions microorganisms have with each other, as well as their interactions with hosts or the environment. This encompasses investigations into microbial communities, symbiotic relationships, and microbial responses to different environments.
Societal significance: Nature Microbiology recognizes the societal impact of microorganisms and welcomes studies that explore their practical applications. This may include research on microbial diseases, biotechnology, or environmental remediation.
In summary, Nature Microbiology is interested in research related to the evolution, physiology and cell biology of microorganisms, their interactions, and their societal relevance.