These slides explores in general the discovery of the human microbiome, and the important roles they play in our well-being. Humans have evolved to live with microbes, this symbiotic relationship is crucial. Humans are in fact 'supra-organisms' that exhibit both human and microbial traits.

1. Understanding Our Microbiome:
The Natural Symbiosis
Exploring The Human Microbiome
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2. What IS The Microbiome?
The human microbiome is the
full array of microorganisms
(the microbiota) that live on
and in humans.
Specifically, it’s the collection of
microbial genomes that
contribute to the broader
genetic portrait (metagenome)
of a human.
Source: https://www.britannica.com/science/human-microbiome
Both inside and out, the human body harbors
a huge array of micro-organisms. Bacteria
are the biggest players, aside single-celled
organisms (archaea), fungi, and viruses.

3. The Human microbiota
Bacteria
Archaea
Protists Fungi
Viruses
Defined as an "ecological community
of commensal, symbiotic and
pathogenic microorganisms“.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microbiota

4. Source: https://www.britannica.com/science/human-microbiome
Microbial Cells
and Human
Cells Coexist by
1.3 to 1 Ratio
Bacterial
population est.
at 75-200
trillion
individual
organisms.
3.3 Million
Microbial Genes
Isolated by
researchers in the
human gut.
50-100 Trillion
Somatic Cells
Makes up the entire
human body,
considerably lesser
than microbial cells.
900-1,000 different
species of
microorganisms
Extraordinarily diverse
collection of microbial
genomes.
microbioME By The Numbers

5. Source: https://depts.washington.edu/ceeh/downloads/FF_Microbiome.pdf
microbioME Fun Fact
Weighs <2.3 kg
Average weight of an
individual’s combined
microbiome (as much
as 5 lbs).

6. Are We “Supra-organisms”?
The sheer abundance of
microbial species suggests
that the human body is in fact
a “supraorganism,”.
Essentially a collection of
human and microbial cells and
genes, human beings exhibit a
blend of both human and
microbial traits.
Source: https://www.britannica.com/science/human-microbiome

7. Discovery Of The Human Microbiome
Source: https://www.whatisbiotechnology.org/index.php/science/summary/microbiome/the-
human-microbiome-refers-to-the-complete-set-of-genes
Rene Dubos discovered
indigenous microbes in
mice that were essential
Launch of the Human
Microbiome Project (HMP)
Theodor Escherich
discovered bacteria
‘Escherichia coli’
Discovery of Veillonella parvula
(gut & dental) & bifidobacteria
(intestinal)
DNA sequencing of microbes to
characterize biological functions

8. The Importance of Microbiome
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-microbiome-and-health
Alongside plants and animals,
humans have evolved to live
with microbes.
During this time, microbes have
adapted to play very important
roles in their hosts, the human
body. Without this symbiotic
relationship, it would be difficult
for humans to survive.

9. our Microbiome: At Birth
We are first exposed to
microbes at birth, while
inside the womb as well as
when passing through the
birth canal.
As we grow, our gut
microbiome diversifies
resulting in many different
types of microbial species.
Bifidobacteria in babies' intestines help to
digest the healthy sugars in breast milk that
are important for growth.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-microbiome-and-health

10. our Microbiome: Digestion
Our gut microbiome helps to
digest and absorb nutrients and
energy.
In addition, certain bacteria
digest fiber, producing short-
chain fatty acids, which are
important for gut health. This
helps prevent weight gain,
diabetes, heart disease and the
risk of cancer.
Healthy individuals have a higher diversity of
bacteria than obese people. Coupled with high
enzymes count, obese people end up harvesting
more calories.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-microbiome-and-health

11. Our microbiome helps
regulate the immune system
and protects against other
bacteria that cause disease.
They also help produce
vitamins including B vitamins
B12, thiamine (B1) and
riboflavin (B2) for good
health and well-being, as well
as Vitamin K which is needed
for blood coagulation.
Microbial Inheritance:
The microbiome of a mother may
affect the health of her children.
our Microbiome: Immune System & Health
Source: https://depts.washington.edu/ceeh/downloads/FF_Microbiome.pdf

12. Imbalanced Microbiome
Upset
Stomach
Weight
Changes
Constant
Fatigue
Skin
Irritation
Autoimmune
Disorders
An imbalanced microbiome is often
caused by an unhealthy lifestyle.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/gut-health#signs-and-symptoms

13. Tips to Boost Your Microbiome
Eat more fruits and vegetables, increase fiber intake
Choose food & drinks with polyphenols (fuel for
microbes) such as nuts, berries, olive oil, coffee & tea
Eat fermented foods such as yoghurt, soybean
products, kimchi, etc.
Avoid antibiotics, non-essential medicines and
supplements
Spend more time in the countryside, interact with animals
for microbiome diversity
Source: https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/how-to-boost-your-microbiome/

14. The Human Microbiome Project
The Human Microbiome Project
(HMP) was a research initiative
to improve understanding of
the microbial flora involved in
human health and disease.
An extension of the Human
Genome Project, the HMP
comprises multiple projects
conducted concurrently
worldwide, including in the
United States.
One of the important outcomes anticipated
from the HMP is the deeper understanding of
the nutritional requirements of humans.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/nature06244

15. • The microbiome is the collection of microbial genomes that
contribute to the broader genetic portrait (metagenome) of a
human being.
• Microbes in our body have adapted to play very important
roles; especially in food digestion, well-being, and our
immune system by protecting us from infections.
• An imbalanced microbiome can lead to various health issues,
from fatigue and discomfort to obesity as well as autoimmune
disorders.
Conclusion

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