[Source – bacdive.dsmz.de]
A recent study conducted by researchers in Germany and published in Nature Communications has revealed new insights into the human microbiome’s role in disease diagnosis and management. Through a comprehensive pan-body microbiome analysis, the team examined multiple body sites across various diseases, uncovering key microbial species linked to specific health conditions. This approach highlights the importance of understanding the microbiome’s complexity across the human body, offering new avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic developments.
The Pan-Body Microbiome Approach
The human microbiome, a diverse community of microorganisms living in and on the body, varies across different regions and plays a crucial role in health and disease. This variability has long been studied in relation to specific organs, but the pan-body approach adopted in this study takes a broader view. By examining the microbiota of multiple organ systems, the researchers aimed to uncover a more holistic understanding of disease mechanisms.
From 2021 to 2023, researchers collected 1,931 high-quality samples from 515 patients suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the lungs, eyes, oral cavity, heart, skin, and intestines. These samples, including dental plaque, saliva, skin, stool, and eye specimens, underwent advanced sequencing techniques, which helped identify microbial imbalances and potential links to diseases. Their findings showed that alterations in the microbiome are often associated with the onset and progression of diseases, with certain species being more prevalent in specific conditions.
Key Findings and Potential Therapeutic Applications
The study uncovered 583 previously unexplored species genome bins (SGBs), 189 of which were strongly associated with diseases. Oral microbiome samples, such as saliva and dental plaque, exhibited a higher degree of novelty, accounting for 72% of newly identified species. For instance, Corynebacterium pseudogenitalium and Staphylococcus epidermidis were found in higher abundance on the skin of patients with coronary heart disease, while specific microbial species were linked to conditions like obesity, digestive diseases, and Parkinson’s disease.
In addition to species identification, the researchers discovered a significant association between antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and certain diseases. Notably, resistance genes such as New Delhi metallo beta-lactamases (NDM) and oxacillin-hydrolyzing carbapenemases (OXA) were prevalent across samples, highlighting the spread of drug resistance in various microbial communities. The study also found that microbial compositions varied depending on dietary habits, with certain species more abundant in omnivorous participants compared to vegetarians.
Importantly, the researchers developed a novel method for prioritizing biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) with high therapeutic potential. These BGCs, which produce compounds similar to known antibiotics, could serve as a foundation for developing new drugs. This discovery is particularly significant for addressing the growing concern of antibiotic resistance.
Implications for Future Research and Medicine
The study’s findings underscore the importance of a pan-body, pan-disease microbiome approach in diagnosing and managing diseases. By investigating multiple body sites simultaneously, researchers were able to identify novel microbial species and their potential therapeutic applications. The results call for further research into the functionality of these newly discovered BGCs, particularly in terms of their biotechnological suitability and potential for drug development.
This groundbreaking research paves the way for future medical discoveries, particularly in the development of new antibiotics, and highlights the need for a more integrated approach to studying the human microbiome in relation to disease.
