Nature Communications (03.06.2025):
Proteomic and metabolomic profiling of extracellular vesicles produced by human gut archaea
IJSEM (16.04.2025):
Expanding the cultivable human archaeome: Methanobrevibacter intestini sp. nov. and strain Methanobrevibacter smithii ‘GRAZ-2’ from human faeces
We cultivated and described M. intestini, a new species of Methanobrevibacter, representing the second-most archaeon in the human gut. Check it out: Link
BMC Microbiology (04.04.2025):
Age-Related Dynamics of predominant methanogenic archaea in the human gut microbiome
We explored how methanogenic archaea, specifically Methanobrevibacter smithii and M. intestini, change across different age groups, from young adults to centenarians. We analyzed gut microbiomes of 250+ individuals (ages 19–109).
Centenarians often show a high-methanogen “human cow” phenotype, with M. smithii dominance and youth-like archaeal profiles. Archaea may stabilize networks in aging. Check it out: Link
Nature Metabolism (24.03.2025):
Metagenomic estimation of dietary intake from human stool
Here, we present Metagenomic Estimation of Dietary Intake (MEDI): a method for quantifying food-derived DNA in human faecal metagenomes. We show that DNA-containing food components can be reliably detected in stool-derived metagenomic data, even when present at low abundances (more than ten reads) . Check it out: Link
ASM Microbiology Spectrum (25.02.2025):
Reevaluation of the gastrointestinal methanogenic archaeome in multiple sclerosis and its association with treatment
Re-evaluating gut archaea in MS: No major archaeome differences between MS patients and controls, but treated MS patients had more Methanobrevibacter smithii and M. sp900766745. The latter correlated with lower disease severity. Check it out: Link
MSystems (23.12.2024):
First-year dynamics of the anaerobic microbiome and archaeome in infants' oral and gastrointestinal systems
This longitudinal study of 30 infants reveals that breastfeeding shapes the timing and structure of oral and gut microbiome maturation, promoting later but more defined transitions marked by anaerobic taxa. Archaea, primarily Methanobrevibacter, appear early but do not form a stable archaeome, and functional microbiome differences between breastfed and non-breastfed infants are less pronounced than taxonomic ones. Check it out: Link
Nature Communications (31.08.2024):
Targeted isolation of Methanobrevibacter strains from fecal samples expands the cultivated human archaeome
This study introduces a targeted approach for enriching and isolating methanogenic archaea from human fecal samples, successfully culturing 14 out of 16 samples and identifying nine previously uncultivated strains. Comparative genomics revealed functional traits in Methanobrevibacter smithii and Candidatus M. intestini potentially linked to gastrointestinal diseases, expanding the genomic repertoire for archaeome research. Check it out: Link
Emerging Infectious Diseases (15.07.2024):
Archaea in the human microbiome and potential effects on human infectious disease
This review explores the potential roles of archaea in infectious diseases, highlighting their generally nonpathogenic nature despite associations with conditions like periodontitis and SIBO. It emphasizes the need for clinical and mechanistic studies, along with culture collections, to better understand archaeal interactions and their impact on human health.
Check it out: Link
MSystems (09.07.2024):
In-hospital areas with distinct maintenance and staff/patient traffic have specific microbiome profiles, functions, and resistomes
This study reveals that microbial composition and antibiotic resistance mechanisms vary with confinement levels within a single hospital. The most restrictive area showed lowest microbial diversity but highest functional diversity, with resistance genes primarily chromosomal, while less confined areas had plasmid-mediated resistances—highlighting potential risks for patient-associated zones. Check it out: Link
ASM Microbiology Spectrum (25.06.2024):
The dynamics of the female microbiome: unveiling abrupt changes of microbial domains across body sites from prepartum to postpartum phases
Another (little) baby paper out! We show that the maternal microbiome undergoes substantial changes in the transition from before to after birth, which might be long-lasting. A focus on mothers' health and healing process is needed.
We tracked 30 women from their pregnancy to 1 month after birth, profiling their oral, urinary, and vaginal microbiomes, as well as their archaeome, mycobiome, and urinary metabolome.
Interestingly, the oral microbiome stabilizes rapidly after birth, but the urogenital microbiome suffers from a significant loss of Lactobacillus after birth. Findings suggest the need for probiotic (?) interventions to optimize postpartum recovery.
Check it out: Link
Gut Microbes (02.06.2024):
Archaea influence composition of endoscopically visible ileocolonic biofilms
This study identifies the absence of Methanobrevibacter as a marker of disrupted gastrointestinal homeostasis in IBS and ulcerative colitis, associated with reduced microbial diversity, altered bile acid metabolism, and overgrowth of facultative anaerobes. Archaea presence correlated with a more hypoxic gut environment, beneficial microbial associations, and may help differentiate biofilm subtypes across GI disorders.
Check it out: Link
Gut Microbes (31.04.2024):
Exploring the human archaeome: its relevance for health and disease, and its complex interplay with the human immune system
In the FEBS journal we summarize the current knowledge on the human archaeome - immune system interplay:
Link
Microbiome (09.03.2024):
Interindividual differences in aronia juice tolerability linked to gut microbiome and metabolome changes—secondary analysis of a randomized placebo-controlled parallel intervention trial (2024)
We supported the study of our colleagues on Aronia juice and its effect on gut microbiome and metabolome - now out in the Microbiome journal:
Link
ASM Microbiology Spectrum (09.01.2024):
Reduced olfactory performance is associated with changed microbial diversity, oralization, and accumulation of dead biomaterial in the nasal olfactory area (2024)
In ASM Spectrum we report about the correlation of the nasal microbiome and the olfactory performance. Congratulations to first author Christina Kumpitsch and the entire team!
Link
Summary of content
Clinical NEC prevention practices drive different microbiome profiles and functional responses in the preterm intestine (2023)
Our new publication is out in Nature Communications: "Clinical NEC prevention practices drive different microbiome profiles and functional responses in the preterm intestine". Amazing work by first-author Charlotte Neumann, great collaboration with Neonatology @Medunigraz and the Hall Lab (TU Munich/ Quadram).
Link to publication
Summary of content
Press release MedUni Graz
Press release Quadram Institute
Acute appendicitis manifests as two microbiome state types with oral pathogens influencing severity (2023)
Our new publication is out in Gut Microbes: "Acute appendicitis manifests as two microbiome state types with oral pathogens influencing severity". Excellent work by first-author Marcus Blohs, great collaboration with the Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Surgery @MedUni Graz.
Link to publication
Summary of content