The microbiome changes dynamically throughout life and is closely associated with health and lifestyle factors. In our previous analysis of over 10,000 microbiome samples from Lifelines participants (the Dutch Microbiome Project, DMP), we identified strong relationships between environmental, host, lifestyle, and disease factors and microbiome composition and function.
To better understand the dynamic and age-related aspects of microbial development, we initiated a re-collection of gut microbiome samples from DMP participants ten years after the initial collection. In this cohort, we will apply state-of-the-art metagenomic analysis methods developed by the Dutch Microbiome Hub team. We will study age-related changes in the gut microbiome, its stability, and its relationship with environmental changes.
We will also integrate the microbiome data with environmental and biological measurements collected by Lifelines. Additionally, this dataset will serve as a Northern Netherlands population reference cohort for multiple clinical microbiome studies conducted in patient cohorts from the UMCG.
This project is a continuation of the successful collaboration between the UMCG Microbiome Hub and Lifelines, which has led to the establishment of a new microbiome research line at UMCG and positioned Groningen as one of the world’s leading centers for microbiome research.