"To Which Extent Do Genetics Determine the Composition of the Gut Microbiome?"

Ruth Ley, Deputy Spokesperson for the CMFI, talks about her research in Latest Thinking.

The gut microbiome has a significant impact on various diseases. It is largely shaped by environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle. How the genetics of each individual influences the composition of the microbiome was largely unknown until now. In this video, Ruth Ley explains how her research team compared the microbiome of over 1000 pairs of twins based on DNA extracted from their stool samples. These comparisons enabled the researchers to compile a list of heritable microorganisms, headed by a family of bacteria called Christensenellaceae. The microbiome of lean people appears to contain more of this type of bacteria than the microbiome of obese people. Further experiments show that the administration of Christensenellaceae to germ-free mice leads to a reduction in body fat. These results could lead to new therapeutic approaches for obesity and related diseases.

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