探索和理解人类微生物组的生化多样性。

Exploring and Understanding the Biochemical Diversity of the Human Microbiota.

机构信息

Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.

出版信息

Cell Chem Biol. 2016 Jan 21;23(1):18-30. doi: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2015.12.008.

DOI:10.1016/j.chembiol.2015.12.008

Abstract

Recent studies have illuminated a remarkable diversity and abundance of microbes living on and within the human body. While we are beginning to appreciate associations of certain bacteria and genes with particular host physiological states, considerable information is lacking about the relevant functional activities of the human microbiota. The human gut microbiome encodes tremendous potential for the biosynthesis and transformation of compounds that are important for both microbial and host physiology. Implementation of chemical knowledge and techniques will be required to improve our understanding of the biochemical diversity of the human microbiota. Such efforts include the characterization of novel microbial enzymes and pathways, isolation of microbial natural products, and development of tools to modulate biochemical functions of the gut microbiota. Ultimately, a molecular understanding of gut microbial activities will be critical for elucidating and manipulating these organisms' contributions to human health and disease.

摘要

最近的研究揭示了生活在人体内外的微生物的显著多样性和丰富性。虽然我们开始了解某些细菌和基因与特定宿主生理状态的关联，但对于人类微生物组的相关功能活动，我们还知之甚少。人类肠道微生物组为合成和转化对微生物和宿主生理都很重要的化合物提供了巨大的潜力。为了提高我们对人类微生物组生化多样性的理解，需要运用化学知识和技术。这些努力包括对新型微生物酶和途径的描述、微生物天然产物的分离以及调节肠道微生物生化功能的工具的开发。最终，对肠道微生物活性的分子理解对于阐明和操纵这些生物体对人类健康和疾病的贡献至关重要。