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Genome-wide associations of human gut microbiota variation and implications for causal inference analyses

Here we use appropriate taxon-specific models along with support from independent cohorts to show association between human host genotype and gut microbiome variation. Using fecal derived 16S rRNA gene sequences and host genotype data from the Flemish Gut Flora Project (FGFP) we identify genetic associations involving multiple microbial traits. Mendelian randomization analysis was able to estimate associations between microbial traits and disease, however in the absence of clear microbiome driven effects, caution is needed in interpretation. This work marks a growing catalog of genetic associations which will provide insight into the contribution of host genotype to gut microbiome. Despite this, the uncertain origin of association signals will likely complicate future work looking to dissect function or use associations for causal inference analysis.

Click on a Dataset ID in the table below to learn more, and to find out who to contact about access to these data

Dataset ID Description Technology Samples
EGAD00001006141 Illumina HiSeq 2500 2259
Publications Citations
Genome-wide associations of human gut microbiome variation and implications for causal inference analyses.
Nat Microbiol 5: 2020 1079-1087
84
Large-scale association analyses identify host factors influencing human gut microbiome composition.
Nat Genet 53: 2021 156-165
392
<i>Dysosmobacter welbionis</i> is a newly isolated human commensal bacterium preventing diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders in mice.
Gut 71: 2022 534-543
52
Transcriptome-wide association study identified candidate genes associated with gut microbiota.
Gut Pathog 13: 2021 74
4
Assessing the relationship between gut microbiota and irritable bowel syndrome: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.
BMC Gastroenterol 23: 2023 150
1