Meijer, K (2017) Segmented Filamentous Bacteria: their Metabolism, Impact and Place in the Mi-crobiome. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.
|
Text
Scriptie_Koen_Meijer_-_Definitief_v2.pdf - Published Version Download (930kB) | Preview |
Abstract
In recent decades, the influence of microbes living in the human intestine has become the focus of intensive research. Before these studies, it was always assumed that the role of microorganisms in humans was rather insignificant. But the opposite turned out to be the case. Nowadays, the microbiome is regarded as an important factor in human health and disease. Much of the research on the human microbiome is focused on the types of microorganisms that are particularly important for their hosts, and one class of organisms that is the subject of intense research are Segmented Filamentous Bacteria (SFB). SFB are commensal gram-positive bacteria that were first discovered in mice, and are known for their tight adhesion to epithelial cells in the short intestine of these organisms. Their presence has since been detected in various organisms, including humans. The presence of SFB is known to affect the immune system of mice, and is commonly associated with the promotion of T helper 17 (Th17) cells in these organisms. The current knowledge about SFB was investigated in this study, with a focus on the effects of their metabolism, and the impact of recent discoveries regarding these organisms, especially in human hosts. Whole-genome sequencing studies have revealed a reduced metabolic capacity of SFB, and therefore a negligible influence of their metabolites on host health. The role of SFB in the mouse immune system appears to be well accepted, but discoveries on these organisms seem to be not directly applicable to humans. Also, studies on SFB (both humans and other species) appear to be inconclusive, and sometimes contradictory. Therefore, many questions about the role of SFB remain unanswered, and further research on these organisms is needed to make a final conclusion about their effects.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Biology |
| Thesis type: | Bachelor's Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Feb 2018 08:27 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Feb 2018 08:27 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/15097 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |