A new era of biology is dawning, one that emphasizes the crucial role microorganisms play in health and necessitates a revamped scientific vocabulary. Researchers are calling for a shift in how we talk about microbes, moving away from a historical focus on them as pathogens to a more nuanced understanding of their vital contributions to a healthy organism.
This paradigm shift is detailed in a recent publication by a team of leading scientists, including Professor Martin Blaser (Rutgers University), Professor Margaret McFall-Ngai (California Institute of Technology), and Professor Thomas Bosch (Kiel University), in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. Their proposed "New lexicon for the age of microbiome research" aims to redefine fundamental life science terms and promote a more balanced perspective on microorganisms in both academic and public spheres.
For centuries, the scientific community viewed microorganisms primarily as threats, responsible for a multitude of infectious diseases. This perspective fueled the development of vaccines and antibiotics, leading to significant progress in human health. However, this "warfare" mentality also unintentionally disrupted the delicate balance of the human microbiome, the community of microorganisms residing within us, contributing to a rise in modern health issues.
Thanks to advancements in high-throughput genome sequencing, scientists can now meticulously analyze the composition and function of the microbiome. This newfound understanding reveals that most microorganisms are not inherently harmful. In fact, a healthy microbiome plays a critical role in various bodily functions, and its disruption can trigger various environmental diseases.
The proposed lexicon sheds the outdated "war metaphor" and reframes the narrative. Here are some examples of how the new terminology aims to capture the complexity of host-microbe interactions:
- Colonization replaces infection: This shift emphasizes the neutral nature of microbial presence, acknowledging that their impact (beneficial, neutral, or harmful) depends on the context.
- Microbiota-regulating peptide (MRP) replaces antimicrobial peptide (AMP): This broader term acknowledges that these host proteins can influence the colonization of various microorganisms, not just eliminate pathogens.
- Amphibiont replaces pathogen: This term highlights the dynamic nature of the host-microbe relationship, where a microorganism can shift between being helpful and harmful depending on environmental factors.
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