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The Concept of a Healthy Human Microbiome
A perspective published in Nature Reviews Microbiology from APC Microbiome Ireland, a world leading Research Ireland Centre at UCC and the EU-funded Human Microbiome Action consortium led by Professors Paul Ross and Joël Doré considers the challenge of determining a 'healthy' human microbiome.
Professor Paul Ross, Director of APC, emphasises the complexities of defining a healthy microbiome. “This perspective outlines the challenges in defining healthy microbiomes and presents a road map for future clinical studies at a global scale which would allow for greater translation leading of microbiome science. This work is essential for tackling global health challenges.” APC, one of the largest microbiome research centres in the world, leads the work package in collaboration with international scientific partners.
The perspective highlights the limitations of previous microbiome research, which often focused on small, homogeneous groups, typically from Western populations. “Our understanding has been shaped by select groups, excluding a vast diversity of microbiome configurations,” says Ross. The study calls for a more global approach, considering the impact of diet, socio-economic factors, and geographic diversity on microbiome health.
The findings stress the importance of large-scale, longitudinal studies to capture microbiome health over time. By focusing on population-level diversity, the project aims to develop a solid foundation for defining a healthy microbiome, which will be essential for translating research into clinical practice.
This research not only contributes to personalised healthcare but also holds implications for the food and pharmaceutical industries, such as in the development of functional foods and probiotics. The project will ultimately produce a white paper with recommendations for EU policymakers on monitoring microbiome health over time.
This pivotal research will shape the future of microbiome science, healthcare, and sustainable practices, driving innovations across sectors through the thorough understanding of the human microbiome. The research is part of the EU Horizon 2020 funded Human Microbiome Action project, which aims to advance healthcare, promote economic growth, and build sustainable health systems. The perspective is also an outcome of a workshop held in Cork by APC in October 2022. ‘Examining the healthy human microbiome concept’ is available to read online at Nature Reviews Microbiology https://rdcu.be/dXMwL
