Human Microbiota-Associated Mice: A Model with Challenges

Marie-Claire Arrieta; Jens Walter; B Brett Finlay

doi:10.1016/j.chom.2016.04.014

Human Microbiota-Associated Mice: A Model with Challenges

Cell Host Microbe. 2016 May 11;19(5):575-8. doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2016.04.014.

Authors

Marie-Claire Arrieta¹, Jens Walter², B Brett Finlay³

Affiliations

¹ Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
² Department of Agriculture, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada.
³ Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada. Electronic address: bfinlay@mail.ubc.ca.

PMID: 27173924
DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2016.04.014

Abstract

Human microbiota-associated (HMA) mice have been used extensively in gut microbiome research. Here we discuss ecological and evolutionary aspects of the mammalian-gut microbiome interrelationship that confound the application of HMA mice, and propose experimental designs that increase the likelihood for obtaining meaningful findings.

MeSH terms

Animals
Gastrointestinal Microbiome / physiology*
Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology*
Humans
Mice
Mice, Inbred C3H
Microbiota / physiology*