Figure 1.

Currently, the field of microbiome research employs rodents (mice and rats), the fly Drosophila melanogaster, and the fish zebrafish as animal models. Most manipulations involve either complete/partial depletion of the microbiome using specific rodent models or microbiome transplants using oral gavage. Research has shown that the microbiome is heavily involved in improper development of the gastrointestinal tract and the nervous and immune systems. A link has also been made between imbalances in the gut microbiome, also known as dysbiosis, and certain diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease and obesity, among others. Gut dysbiosis is currently treated in humans using prebiotics and/or fecal transplants. GI: gastro-intestinal tract.