Genetic architecture and mechanisms of host/microbiome interactions from a multi-cohort analysis of outbred laboratory rats

The intestinal microbiome influences health and disease. Its composition is affected by host genetics and environmental exposures. Understanding host genetic effects is critical but challenging in humans, due to the difficulty of detecting, mapping and interpreting them. To address this, we analyse host genetic effects in four cohorts of outbred laboratory rats exposed to distinct but controlled environments. We will later integrate gut metabolomics data into this analysis.