The Human Microbiome and Understanding the 16S rRNA Gene in Translational Nursing Science

Abstract

Background As more is understood regarding the human microbiome, it is increasingly important for nurse scientists and health care practitioners to analyze these microbial communities and their role in health and disease.16S rRNA sequencing is a key methodology in identifying these bacterial populations that has recently transitioned from use primarily in research to having increased utility in clinical settings. Objectives The objectives of this review are to: (a) describe 16S rRNA sequencing and its role in answering research questions important to nursing science; (b) provide an overview of the oral, lung and gut microbiomes and relevant research; and (c) identify future implications for microbiome research and 16S sequencing in translational nursing science. Discussion Sequencing using the 16S rRNA gene has revolutionized research and allowed scientists to easily and reliably characterize complex bacterial communities. This type of research has recently entered the clinical setting, one of the best examples involving the use of 16S sequencing to identify resistant pathogens, thereby improving the accuracy of bacterial identification in infection control. Clinical microbiota research and related requisite methods are of particular relevance to nurse scientists—individuals uniquely positioned to utilize these techniques in future studies in clinical settings.

Oral microbiome: Unveiling the fundamentals

“…K Li Bihan and Methe (2013) studied the HMP database and detected a relatively stable and a small core oral microbiome present in a majority of samples but in low abundance. [ 34 ]…”

The NF-κB Signaling Pathway, the Microbiota, and Gastrointestinal Tumorigenesis: Recent Advances

“…With the development of sequencing platforms and bioinformatics tools, 16S rRNA gene sequencing based on hypervariable regions was performed to study the profile of the human microbiome, including mainly the microbiotas of the stomach and intestine (52). As a result, many gastric bacteria species other than H. pylori have been identified.…”

The lung microbiome: clinical and therapeutic implications

“…Conserved genes are a target that is used to study the microbiome, particularly in bacteria. At present, the most used molecular method to study the microbiome is sequencing of regions of a conserved gene, such as the hypervariable regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene [6]. Other higher resolution methods for microbiota profiling are currently being used to disclose the functional link between the lungs and its microbiota [7].…”