Scientific Publications
Introduction to the human gut microbiota
Biochemical Journal, 474 (11), 1823-1836
The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbours a complex and dynamic population of
microorganisms, the gut microbiota, which exert a marked influence on the host during
homeostasis and disease. Multiple factors contribute to the establishment of the human
gut microbiota during infancy. Diet is considered as one of the main drivers in shaping
the gut microbiota across the life time. Intestinal bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining
immune and metabolic homeostasis and protecting against pathogens. Altered gut bacterial
composition (dysbiosis) has been associated with the pathogenesis of many inflammatory
diseases and infections. The interpretation of these studies relies on a better
understanding of inter-individual variations, heterogeneity of bacterial communities along
and across the GI tract, functional redundancy and the need to distinguish cause from
effect in states of dysbiosis. This review summarises our current understanding of the
development and composition of the human GI microbiota, and its impact on gut integrity
and host health, underlying the need for mechanistic studies focusing on host–microbe
interactions.
Biochemical Journal, 474 (11), 1823-1836
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