The human microbiome consists of trillions of micro-organisms mostly in the form of bacteria in the skin, gut, and airways. They exert regulatory functions, influence energy handling, produce nutrients, and may be associated with diabetes and obesity.5
The gut microbiome is involved in vital biological functions such as maintenance of immune balance, modulation of intestinal development and enhanced metabolic capabilities. Disturbances of the intestinal microbiota have been associated with development and progression of inflammatory conditions.[1,5] Individual variation in the microbiota compositions is influenced by environmental, host, dietary factors1 and the FUT2 gene.4
The fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) gene produces an enzyme that is responsible for the synthesis of the H antigen in body fluids and on the intestinal mucosa and has been shown to modify the gut microbiome. Individuals lacking a functional copy of FUT2 are known as "nonsecretors". They are less likely to have good gut bacteria like bifidobacteria, and they display an array of differences in susceptibility to infection and disease, including Crohn disease.[3,4]
Related to:
microbiota, crohn's disease, secretor