Host genes and their effect on the intestinal microbiome garden

Abstract

We are only beginning to understand the relationship between host genetics and the gut microbiome. Two recent studies help to disentangle this interaction and show that genetic loci across the human genome shape the gut microbiome. This opens the possibility that an unexpected number of genetic factors act directly on microbial composition and function to modulate immune pathways and metabolic phenotypes in host physiology and disease.