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Genome shows heritability of gut microbiome, links to environment
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Though many changes to the microbiome manifest via dietary and environmental factors, a new study reveals a greater incidence of inherited microbiome bacteria than originally thought.
“Based on our research, we identified more than a dozen microbes with known links to health that are heritable,” Ruth Ley, PhD, an associate professor in the department of microbiology at Cornell University, said in a press release. “These microorganisms are environmentally acquired, but the genome also plays a part — by determining which microorganisms are more dominant than others.”
Ley and colleagues analyzed gut microbiomes from 1,126 pairs of twins from the TwinsUK Study. The data include identical and fraternal twins raised together.
“We set out to find out about human genes that are implicated in the regulation of the gut microbiome, and we found some that are,” Ley said.
The strongest connection found in this study was between the lactase gene locus, which is heritable, and Bifidobacterium (permutation P < .001). The former contributes to the enzyme that helps digest dairy and the latter is associated with probiotics.
Researchers also observed a suggested association (permutation P = 0.056) driven by genus SMB53 and variants in the gene GNA122 within a single nucleotide polymorphism associated with inflammatory bowel disease. These variants are thought to be associated with barrier defense and ulcerative colitis.
Other links, such as between some heritable taxa and the olfactory receptor gene OR6A2, which is associated with cilantro tasting like soap, were also seen.
“In the case of the Bifidobacterium-[lactase] link, host genetics most likely shape the microbiome through diet preference, which itself is heritable. These signals contrast with the immune-related genes uncovered in studies where diet is controlled,” the researchers wrote. “For links to immune genes to be detected in human populations where diet is unrestricted, very large numbers of subjects may be necessary.”
The researchers concluded that multiple studies will be needed to validate their findings, but when looking for a genetic basis for disease risk, others should incorporate diet and microbiome findings.
“This type of study opens up many questions but doesn’t give us a lot of answers yet,” Ley said in the release. “It gives us lots of ideas to study.” – by Katrina Altersitz
Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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