July 5th, 2024

Microbiome composition varies based on sampling time, mouse study finds

A study in Nature Metabolism led by Amir Zarrinpar found that microbiome composition in mice varies with sampling time due to circadian rhythms, impacting research reproducibility similarly to diet. Guidelines are recommended.

Read original articleLink Icon
Microbiome composition varies based on sampling time, mouse study finds

A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals that the composition of the microbiome in mice varies significantly based on the time of sampling. Researchers, led by gastroenterologist Amir Zarrinpar from the University of California, San Diego, found that the circadian rhythm plays a crucial role in shaping the microbiome and can impact research reproducibility. The study analyzed bacterial sequencing data from previous publications and demonstrated that even small intervals between sample collections can lead to drastic changes in microbiome composition. Surprisingly, the study suggests that circadian rhythms have a comparable impact on the microbiome as diet. The findings emphasize the importance of considering the time of day in microbiome studies to improve experimental accuracy. While collecting multiple samples throughout the day is feasible in animal studies, it poses challenges in human research. Researchers recommend guidelines to address the influence of circadian variability on microbiome studies, highlighting the need for more comprehensive data collection methods.

Related

Study comparing mitochondria in males and females finds extreme differences

Study comparing mitochondria in males and females finds extreme differences

A study led by Suzanne Edmands at USC Dornsife found sex-specific gene activity in mitochondria of copepods, with implications for human health. Tailoring treatments based on sex differences could improve efficacy.

High-fat diet, microbiome-gut-brain axis signaling, and anxiety in rats

High-fat diet, microbiome-gut-brain axis signaling, and anxiety in rats

Researchers studied male rats on a high-fat diet (HFD) to analyze its impact on gut microbiome, brain gene expression, and anxiety behavior. HFD led to reduced microbiome diversity, altered gene expression, and increased anxiety-like behaviors.

Parkinson's Link to Gut Bacteria Suggests Unexpected, Simple Treatment

Parkinson's Link to Gut Bacteria Suggests Unexpected, Simple Treatment

Researchers link gut bacteria to Parkinson's disease, noting specific microbes affecting B vitamin levels. Study suggests B vitamin treatment for patients with gut issues. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome crucial for potential Parkinson's prevention.

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) could combat depression

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) could combat depression

A study suggests omega-3 fatty acids can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms in stressed young mice. Results show improved behavior and molecular changes, but human translation remains uncertain due to study limitations.

The gut microbiome has a circadian rhythm

The gut microbiome has a circadian rhythm

The gut microbiome follows a circadian rhythm impacting sleep, drug breakdown, and health. Bacterial rhythms affect digestion, immunity, and drug efficacy. Disruptions link to inflammation and metabolism issues, highlighting the need for chronopharmacology research.

Link Icon 4 comments
By @ravenstine - 3 months
I suspect chronomicrobiomics will be one of the next trends with wellness gurus given that newer research may take timing into consideration whilst a lot of prior research doesn't.
By @wjb3 - 3 months
This study found that the microbiome composition varies based on the time of sampling. How do you think this variability might affect the reproducibility of microbiome research? What are some practical ways researchers could standardize sampling times to improve consistency across different studies?
By @kasperset - 3 months
If sampling time is effecting mice, good luck with Human Studies. It is not easy to get human gut microbiome samples in clinical trials especially when they are already suffering from disease. Even with longitudinal studies, patients can skip donating samples. Making it difficult to compare. Also diet (big factor) and genetics can impact your microbiome. Having said that, I am big fan of longitudinal microbiome studies with good metadata collection such as time of sample collection, Bristol stool scale, and diet(this is very difficult to quantify).