show Abstracthide AbstractThe HMP metagenomes production phase represents the shotgun sequencing of metagenomic DNA extracted from samples taken from multiple body sites across hundreds of human subjects. Coupled with the other data generated during the HMP project, these results will provide insights into the genes and pathways present in the human microbiome. We are learning more and more about the ways that human health is influenced by the complex and dynamic communities of microbes (the human microbiota) present on and within our bodies. Disruptions in these communities may trigger or influence the course of various disease states. Preliminary studies have shown this to be the case for certain diseases. The Human Microbiome Project expands on these studies to better understand, prevent and treat many human diseases.