Our bodies contain far more microbial genes than human
genes. And a new study suggests that just as human DNA varies from person to
person, so, too, does the massive collection of microbial DNA in the intestine.
The research is the first to catalog the genetic variation
of microbes that live in the gut, where they extract nutrients from food,
synthesize vitamins, protect against infections and produce compounds that
naturally reduce inflammation. The widespread genetic diversity uncovered by
the scientists can help them understand how our microbial genes work together
with our human genes to keep us healthy or, in some cases, cause disease.