Ten Million Gut Microbial Genes Catalogued

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In growing recognition of the importance that gut microbes play in human health and mental health, an international consortium “has developed the most complete database of microbial genes ever created,” reports a press release from INRA-France. “The catalogue features nearly ten million genes and will constitute a reference for all research on gut bacteria.”

“The gut microbiome, which scientists have labelled a ‘new organ’ that is composed of tens of trillions of bacteria — ten times as many as the number of cells in the human body — is directly linked to the immune system and brain,” states the press release. “Thanks to this catalogue, the most clinically significant genes can be described, most notably those related to illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, cardiovascular diseases and some cancers. It will also provide a more complete picture of imbalances in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis), particularly those caused by medication.”

Cataloguing 10 million human gut microbial genes: Unparalleled accomplishment (INRA-France Press Release on ScienceDaily, November 24, 2014)

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