Advancing microbiome research in Māori populations: insights from recent literature exploring the gut microbiomes of underrepresented and Indigenous peoples

The gut microbiome plays vital roles in human health, including mediating metabolism, immunity, and the gut-brain axis. Many ethnicities remain underrepresented in gut microbiome research, with significant variation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples due to dietary, socioeconomic, health,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:mSystems 2024-11, Vol.9 (11), p.e0090924
Main Authors: Silk, Ella T, Bayer, Simone B, Foster, Meika, Roy, Nicole C, Taylor, Michael W, Vatanen, Tommi, Gearry, Richard B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cardiovascular disease
Cultural heritage
Diabetes
Diet
Ethnicity
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
gut microbiome
Health disparities
human microbiome
Humans
Indigenous health
Indigenous Peoples
Intestinal microflora
Maori People
Medical research
Microbial Ecology
Microbiomes
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
Native peoples
Perspective
Population studies
social disparities
Socioeconomic factors
Special Series: Social Equity as a Means of Resolving Disparities in Microbial Exposure
Urbanization
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Summary:The gut microbiome plays vital roles in human health, including mediating metabolism, immunity, and the gut-brain axis. Many ethnicities remain underrepresented in gut microbiome research, with significant variation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples due to dietary, socioeconomic, health, and urbanization differences. Although research regarding the microbiomes of Indigenous peoples is increasing, Māori microbiome literature is lacking despite widespread inequities that Māori populations face. These inequities likely contribute to gut microbiome differences that exacerbate negative health outcomes. Characterizing the gut microbiomes of underrepresented populations is necessary to inform efforts to address health inequities. However, for microbiome research to be culturally responsible and meaningful, study design must improve to better protect the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples. Here, we discuss barriers to Indigenous participation in research and the role disparities may play in shaping the gut microbiomes of Indigenous peoples, with a particular focus on implications for Māori and areas for improvement.
ISSN:2379-5077
2379-5077
DOI:10.1128/msystems.00909-24