How genes shape the oral microbiome

Genetics could play a role in the abundance of certain bacteria in the oral microbiome, according to a news article from Oral Health.

In a study published in Nature, researchers explored the interplay between human genetic variation and oral microbiome composition. They performed whole-genome sequencing reanalysis using saliva samples containing human and microbial DNA from more than 12,500 participants.

The researchers found that 11 variant-associated loci on the human genome affected the oral microbiome — predominantly the FUT2 W154X loss-of-function variant that influenced the abundance of 58 oral bacterial species — and dictated gene dosages in the genomes of oral bacteria. Further, variations in the number of copies of the salivary amylase-coding gene AMY1 had implications on the levels of plaque-forming bacterial species and the risk of denture use.

The researchers hope their study can highlight the strong association between human genetics and oral microbiome composition and that future studies can better understand how gene variants can impact oral health.

Read more: Oral Health

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.