Human Microbiome Project
Human Microbiome Project - Related Videos
10:51
Co-culture of Living Microbiome with Microengineered Human Intestinal Villi in a Gut-on-a-Chip Microfluidic Device
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Cited by 68 •
2016
We describe an in vitro protocol to co-culture gut microbiome and intestinal villi for an extended period using a human gut-on-a-chip microphysiological system.
10:10
Long-term Culture of Human Breast Cancer Specimens and Their Analysis Using Optical Projection Tomography
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Cited by 11 •
2011
We have developed a collagen-based in vitro assay which promotes proliferation and invasion from samples of all breast cancer subtypes. Optical Projection Tomography, a three dimensional microscopy technique was utilised to visualise and quantify tumour expansion. This assay may be used to quantify drug response of individual tumour samples.
02:18
Fischer Projections
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2023
Learning to draw Fischer projections of molecules and understanding their relevance plays a crucial role in the visual depiction of organic molecules. A Fischer projection is a two-dimensional projection on a planar surface to simplify the three-dimensional wedge–dash representation of molecules. This is especially helpful in the case of molecules with multiple chiral centers that can be difficult to draw. Here, all the bonds of interest are represented as horizontal or vertical lines. While...
01:22
Microbiome of the Eye
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2026
The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
00:07
A Double Humanized BLT-mice Model Featuring a Stable Human-Like Gut Microbiome and Human Immune System
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Cited by 22 •
2019
We describe a novel method for generating double humanized BLT-mice that feature a functional human immune system and a stable engrafted human-like gut microbiome. This protocol can be followed without the need for germ-free mice or gnotobiotic facilities.
FAQs
16S rRNA gene sequencing provided a way to characterize bacterial composition in human-associated samples without requiring researchers to culture every organism. This was important because culture-independent analysis could survey microbial communities across multiple body sites and establish a consistent reference for comparison. The resulting composition data helped investigators examine how microbial communities varied in relation to host physiology and disease-associated changes.
Whole-genome sequencing and metagenomic approaches extended the project beyond identifying which microorganisms were present. They also supported examination of functional genes within microbial communities, helping researchers investigate what these communities might contribute biologically. This distinction allowed microbiome studies to connect community membership with potential functions relevant to metabolism, immune interactions, infection, and other aspects of human health.
The relationship between microbial communities and host physiology provided a framework for studying the microbiome as part of human biology rather than as an isolated collection of organisms. Comparing microbial patterns with health-related characteristics and disease-associated changes helped identify biologically meaningful associations. These comparisons supported research questions involving immune function, metabolism, infection, and the development of personalized medicine approaches.
Researchers collected and analyzed samples from multiple body sites, then applied sequencing-based methods to characterize their microbial content. Bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing primarily contributed composition information, while whole-genome sequencing and metagenomic approaches supplied broader genomic and functional information. Using several methods across sites created a reference framework for comparing microbial communities and their potential relationship to human health.
The project supplied data and methods for investigating how microbial communities relate to immune function, metabolism, infection, and disease-associated changes. Its reference framework made it possible to compare microbiome findings across studies and to ask whether particular community patterns corresponded with host physiology or illness. These resources also helped advance research aimed at more personalized approaches to medicine.
Its continuing value comes from the reference data and analytical methods established for studying microorganisms associated with the human body. Later microbiome investigations can build on those resources when examining microbial composition, functional genes, and host relationships. In biology, this supports a more integrated view of humans and their microbial communities, while providing a foundation for research into health and disease.