FUT_2_16SrDNA_human
The colonic mucosa-associated microbiota is influenced by an interaction                 of Crohn disease and FUT2 (Secretor) genotype
The FUT2 (Secretor) gene is responsible for the presence of ABO                 histo-blood group antigens on the gastrointestinal mucosa and in bodily secretions.                 Individuals lacking a functional copy of FUT2 are known as “non-secretors” and                 display an array of differences in susceptibility to infection and disease,                 including Crohn disease. To determine whether variation in resident microbial                 communities with respect to FUT2 genotype is a potential factor contributing to                 susceptibility, we performed 454-based community profiling of the intestinal                 microbiota in a panel of healthy subjects and Crohn disease patients and determined                 their genotype for the primary non-secretor allele in Caucasian populations, W143X                 (G428A). Consistent with previous studies, we observe significant deviations in the                 microbial communities of individuals with Crohn disease. Furthermore, FUT2 genotype                 explains substantial differences in community composition, diversity and structure,                 and we identified several bacterial species displaying disease-by-genotype                 associations. This indicates that alterations in resident microbial communities may                 in part explain the variety of host susceptibilities surrounding non-secretor status                 and that FUT2 is an important genetic factor influencing host-microbial                 diversity.