作者: Ana Zhu , Shinichi Sunagawa , Daniel R Mende , Peer Bork
DOI: 10.1186/S13059-015-0646-9
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摘要: Background: Gene content differences in human gut microbes can lead to inter-individual phenotypic variations such as digestive capacity. It is unclear whether gene variation caused by microbial species composition or the presence of different strains same species; extent latter unknown. Unlike pan-genome studies cultivable strains, use metagenomic data provide an unbiased view structural bacterial measuring them their natural habitats, each individual this case, representing native boundaries between populations. We analyzed publicly available from fecal samples characterize species. Results: A comparison 11 abundant showed that differed, on average, 13% individuals. This number based deletions only and represents a lower limit, yet already similar range observed completely sequenced show accessory genes differ considerably individuals encode important functions, polysaccharide utilization capsular synthesis loci. Conclusion: Metagenomics yield insights into complex communities, which cannot be predicted phylogenetic marker alone. The large degree variability implies strain resolution must considered order fully assess functional potential individual's microbiome.