Summary
This longitudinal study of wild baboon populations provides robust evidence that host genetic effects on the gut microbiome are nearly universal, with 97% of microbiome phenotypes showing significant heritability despite typically low effect sizes (mean h² = 0.068). Heritability was environmentally contingent, increasing systematically during dry seasons, with low dietary diversity, and in older individuals. The findings highlight the importance of large-scale longitudinal sampling for accurate microbiome heritability quantification and suggest potential for selection on microbiome characteristics as a host phenotype.
Regional applicability
This study uses wild primate models rather than human subjects or agricultural systems directly relevant to United Kingdom farming or food production. However, the methodological insights on microbiome heritability quantification and the environmental contingency of genetic effects may inform UK-based human nutrition and microbiome research, particularly studies investigating gene–environment interactions in dietary interventions.
Key measures
Heritability estimates (h²) for microbiome phenotypes; proportion of heritable phenotypes (97%); mean heritability value (0.068); seasonal variation in heritability; diet diversity effects; age-related heritability patterns
Outcomes reported
The study quantified the heritability of gut microbiome phenotypes in 585 wild baboons tracked over 14 years, controlling for diet, age, and socioecological factors. It measured 16,234 microbiome profiles to determine what proportion of microbiome variation is attributable to host genetic versus environmental factors.
Topic tags
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