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The Intestinal LABs

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Abstract

The complete gastrointestinal (GI) tract of humans is colonised soon after birth by a myriad of microbial species with a characteristic distribution depending on the location. GI-tract ecology has been experiencing a revival due to the development of molecular techniques, especially those based on 16S RNA (zRNA) genes. A richer ecosystem than previously imagined of novel species is being discovered that is significantly influenced by our host genotype. Special attention has been focused on the bifidobacteria and the lactic acid bacterial (LAB) populations, both those that are naturally present within this complex ecosystem and those that are ingested as probiotics in functional foods. Overall this interest stems from a increasing awareness of interplay between microflora, diet and the health of the host, and is further stimulated by an increasing incidence of gastrointestinal illnesses and atopy. Substantial documentation of benefits to host health has especially distinguished the LAB for multidisciplinary research aimed to determine the molecular mechanisms involved. Recent advances in molecular technologies, including high-throughput genomics-based approaches, can significantly advance our understanding of the microbe–diet–host interactions and offer valuable information for design and application of health-targeted microbes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Hesselink van Suchtelenweg 4, 6703 CT, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    Elaine E. Vaughan, Maaike C. de Vries, Erwin G. Zoetendal, Kaouther Ben-Amor, Antoon D.L. Akkermans & Willem M. de Vos

  2. Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences, P.O. Box 557, 6700 AN, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    Maaike C. de Vries, Erwin G. Zoetendal & Willem M. de Vos

Authors
  1. Elaine E. Vaughan
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  2. Maaike C. de Vries
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  3. Erwin G. Zoetendal
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  4. Kaouther Ben-Amor
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  5. Antoon D.L. Akkermans
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  6. Willem M. de Vos
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elaine E. Vaughan.

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Vaughan, E.E., de Vries, M.C., Zoetendal, E.G. et al. The Intestinal LABs. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 82, 341–352 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020672724450

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