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Korean Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (생화학분자생물학회)
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Scarring the early-life microbiome: its potential life-long effects on human health and diseases

  • Hyunji Park (Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology) ;
  • Na-Young Park (Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology) ;
  • Ara Koh (Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology)
  • Received : 2023.06.08
  • Accepted : 2023.08.14
  • Published : 2023.09.30
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Abstract

The gut microbiome is widely recognized as a dynamic organ with a profound influence on human physiology and pathology. Extensive epidemiological and longitudinal cohort studies have provided compelling evidence that disruptions in the early-life microbiome can have long-lasting health implications. Various factors before, during, and after birth contribute to shaping the composition and function of the neonatal and infant microbiome. While these alterations can be partially restored over time, metabolic phenotypes may persist, necessitating research to identify the critical period for early intervention to achieve phenotypic recovery beyond microbiome composition. In this review, we provide current understanding of changes in the gut microbiota throughout life and the various factors affecting these changes. Specifically, we highlight the profound impact of early-life gut microbiota disruption on the development of diseases later in life and discuss perspectives on efforts to recover from such disruptions.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This paper is supported by the Korean Fund for Regenerative Medicine (KFRM) grant funded by the Korean government (the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Health & Welfare) (KFRM 22A0301L1), the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean government (MSIT) (No. 2023R1A2C1002876), and the Basic Science Institute (National Research Facilities and Equipment Center) grant funded by the Ministry of Education (No. 2021R1A6C101A390). Additionally, this work is supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (NRF-2021R1A6A3A01086599 to N.Y.P).

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