Host Genetics Shapes Gut Microbiome Diversity
microbiome
publication
research
New study reveals how genetic variation influences microbial communities in stickleback fish
Our latest paper in mBio demonstrates that host genetic variation significantly influences gut microbiome composition, with implications for understanding host-microbe coevolution.
Key Findings
Using two genetically divergent stickleback populations maintained in identical laboratory conditions, we found:
- Host genotype effects: Specific genetic variants associated with microbiome composition
- High individual variation: Even siblings showed substantial microbiome differences
- Core microbiome: Certain microbial taxa consistently associated with host genotype
Technical Innovation
The study also established highly reproducible methods for 16S sequencing in fish, addressing a critical need for standardization in microbiome research. Our two-tiered approach achieves >95% reproducibility for abundant taxa.
Broader Impacts
This work contributes to understanding:
- How host evolution shapes associated microbial communities
- The heritability of microbiome traits
- Potential for microbiome-based therapies
Publication: Small CM, Beck EA, Currey MC, Tavalire HF, Bassham S, Cresko WA (2023). Host genomic variation shapes gut microbiome diversity in threespine stickleback fish. mBio e0021923.