The Interplay between Microbiota and Human Complex Traits

Dear Colleagues,

The human microbiota is a complex community of microorganisms that reside in and on the human body. It plays a vital role in the maintenance of human health and is essential for various physiological processes. However, dysbiosis, defined as an imbalance in the microbiota, has been associated with a range of complex diseases, including metabolic, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases.

High-throughput sequencing techniques, ranging from short-reads to long-reads sequencing, enabled researchers to unravel the complexity of microbiota composition and metabolic potential in different anatomical niches. Nonetheless, many methodological and analytical hurdles remain, including sample collection and storage, choice of the best molecular method, taxonomic identification, metabolic potential prediction and individual host–pathogen interactions. We encourage the exploration of the relationship between microbiota and complex human traits and/or diseases, therapeutic and preventive measures to contrast the progression of disease, as well as the investigation of novel methods to elucidate this relationship.

We welcome original research manuscripts, reviews, short communications, and case reports focusing on the association of microbiota (fungi, bacteria, viruses, metabolites, etc.) with the pathophysiology, biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies of complex human traits.

Dr. Giovanni Malerba
Dr. Laura Veschetti
Guest Editors

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