The microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms—such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes—and their genetic material that live in and on all living organisms. In humans, these microbial communities inhabit places like the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory and reproductive tracts.
Far from being harmful, most of these microbes play essential roles in health: they help digest food, support the immune system, protect against pathogens, and influence many aspects of physiology. Microbiomes also exist in soils, oceans, plants, and animals, shaping ecosystems and driving biological processes across the planet.
In short, the microbiome is a dynamic, interconnected world of microbes that affects nearly every aspect of life. Take a look at important manuscripts from the COBRE leadership that focus on microbiomes across systems
Check out these review articles on the Microbiome by the Center’s Leadership:
