The community of bacteria living in our gut, or gut microbiome, has become a hot research area in recent years because of its great significance for health and disease. However, the extent to which our genes determine which bacteria are present in the intestines has been unclear. Until now, it has only been possible to link a few genetic variants to the composition of the gut microbiome with certainty.

Gut bacteria from 28,000 individuals

Now, in two coordinated international studies, researchers have conducted the most comprehensive investigation so far of the link between the genome and the gut microbiome. The researchers have analyzed genetic data and gut bacteria from over 28,000 individuals. They have also carefully surveyed the bacteria the participants have in their intestines. Each individual carries hundreds of different bacteria species.