Human Gut Metagenome. human gut metagenome

Using a cross-sectional study design, we defined the taxonomic, and functional diversity of pre-adolescent children filling a knowledge gap in the timeline of gut microbiome development. We focused on how diet affects high-level taxonomic shifts, and how these taxonomic changes can affect the functional capacity of the gut microbiome. Specifically, how differences in the dominate phyla of the gut, correlate to the microbiomes capacity to metabolize carbohydrates. We also show how the species level abundance only accessible through shotgun metagenomics, correlate to host diet. Understanding how specific dietary factors influence the HGM in children will help define the healthy successional trajectory of these complex communities.