Longitudinal analysis reveals transition barriers between dominant ecological states in the gut microbiome
Roie Levy, Andrew T. Magis, John C. Earls, Ohad Manor, Tomasz Wilmanski, Jennifer C. Lovejoy, Sean M. Gibbons, Gilbert S. Omenn, Leroy Hood, Nathan D. Price
Abstract
Significance Deep molecular phenotyping of individuals provides the opportunity for biological insight into host physiology. As the human microbiome is increasingly being recognized as an important determinant of host health, understanding the host–microbiome relationship in a multiomics context may pave the way forward for targeted interventions. In this study, we analyze gut microbial composition of 101 individuals over the course of a year, alongside clinical markers and serum metabolomics. We establish association between specific gut compositional states and host health biomarkers (e.g., of inflammation). Finally, we provide evidence for an apparent transition barrier between these compositional states. A deeper understanding of microbiome dynamics and the associated variation in host phenotypes furthers our ability to engineer effective interventions that optimize wellness.