2024-02-19 22:12:45
30,000 different types of obelisks
Stanford University biologist Ivan Zheludev’s team made the discovery after exploring 5.4 million genetic sequence data sets.
This is how they identified 30,000 different obelisks present in approximately 10% of the human microbiomes analyzed. But, in other data, they appeared in 50% of oral samples and seem to be present in different areas of the body.
The human microbiome is the community of microorganisms that live inside the body and help it stay healthy. They are dynamic to various factors such as diet, exercise and other exposures, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute.
The microbiome present in the intestine is known as intestinal flora. Photo: Pharmacy classroom
Possible health impact
The presence of obelisks in microbiomes has raised new avenues of research on genetic diversity and its impact on health human. They are currently under analysis.
As the scientific community embarks on the exploration of this new class of genetic entities, crucial secrets about the complexity of the human microbiota and its interactions with the body are expected to be unraveled.
A new protein
The team of scientists assures that the obelisks observed seem to include codes for a new class of protein, which has been called Oblins.
The instructions for building proteins take up at least half of the genetic material of these microorganisms. The similarity of these proteins in all the obelisks suggests to researchers that they could play a fundamental role in their replication process (producing copies of themselves).
The ability to encode proteins is a trait that distinguishes obelisks and separates them from viroids (infectious agents).
Why is the human microbiome important?
He human microbiomemade up of a diverse set of microorganisms, mainly bacteria, present in the mouth, intestines and other mucosal surfaces, is important for crucial aspects of health.
According to a study published in the journal Nature, some of the functions performed by the microbiome are linked to the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients.
On the other hand, microorganisms also influence the development and regulation of the immune system, since the presence of beneficial bacteria helps prevent the colonization of pathogens and contributes to adequate immune function.