Microbiota research in Iran; current knowledge and future perspective.

Abstract

Objective: As the gut microbiota has attracted considerable attention in recent years, the aim of the present study is introducing a new microbiota research group at Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute (EMRI) that collaborates with national and international research centers for microbiome research projects management.

Methods: All the documents from EMRI focused on the microbiota field were collected using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases from the inception up to June 2020.

Results: Findings of the EMRI research projects on the microbiota field were reviewed in this study and we highlighted some specific primary results of gut microbiota composition in the Iranian population. Moreover, applications of the developed Microbiota Database are introduced.

Conclusion: Enhancement of investment in this field and interdisciplinary collaborations are needed to progress our knowledge about the Iranian gut microbiota composition and develop microbiota modulating interventions over the next decade.