Wednesday, 22 January 2020
Experts at the 糖心原创 have discovered a more precise way to analyse the human microbiome, which could lead to a better understanding of diseases and disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity and some cancers.
In a study published in , Dr Fiona Whelan from the School of Life Sciences at the University, found that by combining the standard method of metagenomic sequencing with microbiological culture of bacteria, that they could get a better picture of human microbiome communities.
The human microbiome is the collective set of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes that live on the human body, usually without issue. However, sometimes these communities can become altered which can then contribute to diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity and even some cancers.
Microbiome communities are incredibly complex. Standard methods such as metagenomics are akin to sampling the biodiversity of a lake by throwing a large net in the water, measuring the species found in it, and assuming that they are representative of all species in the lake. The new method, called culture-enriched metagenomic sequencing, provides a much larger net by first growing the bacterial members of these communities in the laboratory before measuring them.
Microbiome communities are incredibly complex. Standard methods such as metagenomics are akin to sampling the biodiversity of a lake by throwing a large net in the water, measuring the species found in it, and assuming that they are representative of all species in the lake.
The new method, called culture-enriched metagenomic sequencing, provides a much larger net by first growing the bacterial members of these communities in the laboratory before measuring them.
Allowing them to grow in culture gives a chance for rare species to proliferate, and also gets rid of contaminating DNA from the human that can cause issues in sequencing.
In order to improve how we treat these diseases we need to better understand what is present within these microbiomes and what they are doing. Culture-enriched metagenomic sequencing is one way in which we can better understand these communities so that, ultimately, we can better understand diseases 鈥� such as cystic fibrosis and many gut conditions 鈥� which are related to the alteration of these communities."
This method began with the work of previous PhD students in the lab that showed that the microbiomes of the lung and gut are culturable, paving the way for culture to be combined with the standard sequencing techniques used in the field of microbiome research.
“This increase in information is largely because culture-enriched metagenomics “biologically bins” the microbial community into different sets of organisms based on which media they grow on, which makes metagenomic sequencing and analysis more straightforward than when sequencing the community without culture. Further, adding a culture step removes human DNA which contaminates standard metagenomics,” adds Dr Whelan.
A full copy of the paper can be found .
Story credits
More information is available from Dr Fiona Whelan at fiona.whelan@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.