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Isokääntä H, Tomnikov N, Vanhatalo S, Munukka E, Huovinen P, Hakanen AJ, Kallonen T. High-throughput DNA extraction strategy for fecal microbiome studies. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0293223. [PMID: 38747618 PMCID: PMC11237708 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02932-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbiome studies are becoming larger in size to detect the potentially small effect that environmental factors have on our gut microbiomes, or that the microbiome has on our health. Therefore, fast and reproducible DNA isolation methods are needed to handle thousands of fecal samples. We used the Chemagic 360 chemistry and Magnetic Separation Module I (MSMI) instrument to compare two sample preservatives and four different pre-treatment protocols to find an optimal method for DNA isolation from thousands of fecal samples. The pre-treatments included bead beating, sample handling in tube and plate format, and proteinase K incubation. The optimal method offers a sufficient yield of high-quality DNA without contamination. Three human fecal samples (adult, senior, and infant) with technical replicates were extracted. The extraction included negative controls (OMNIgeneGUT, DNA/RNA shield fluid, and Chemagic Lysis Buffer 1) to detect cross-contamination and ZymoBIOMICS Gut Microbiome Standard as a positive control to mimic the human gut microbiome and assess sensitivity of the extraction method. All samples were extracted using Chemagic DNA Stool 200 H96 kit (PerkinElmer, Finland). The samples were collected in two preservatives, OMNIgeneGUT and DNA/RNA shield fluid. DNA quantity was measured using Qubit-fluorometer, DNA purity and quality using gel electrophoresis, and taxonomic signatures with 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing with V3V4 and V4 regions. Bead beating increased bacterial diversity. The largest increase was detected in gram-positive genera Blautia, Bifidobacterium, and Ruminococcus. Preservatives showed minor differences in bacterial abundances. The profiles between the V3V4 and V4 regions differed considerably with lower diversity samples. Negative controls showed signs from genera abundant in fecal samples. Technical replicates of the Gut Standard and stool samples showed low variation. The selected isolation protocol included recommended steps from manufacturer as well as bead beating. Bead beating was found to be necessary to detect hard-to-lyse bacteria. The protocol was reproducible in terms of DNA yield among different stool replicates and the ZymoBIOMICS Gut Microbiome Standard. The MSM1 instrument and pre-treatment in a 96-format offered the possibility of automation and handling of large sample collections. Both preservatives were feasible in terms of sample handling and had low variation in taxonomic signatures. The 16S rRNA target region had a high impact on the composition of the bacterial profile. IMPORTANCE Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a widely used method for determining the composition of the gut microbiota. Due to the differences in the gut microbiota composition between individuals, microbiome studies have expanded into large population studies to maximize detection of small effects on microbe-host interactions. Thus, the demand for a rapid and reliable microbial profiling is continuously increasing, making the optimization of high-throughput 96-format DNA extraction integral for NGS-based downstream applications. However, experimental protocols are prone to bias and errors from sample collection and storage, to DNA extraction, primer selection and sequencing, and bioinformatics analyses. Methodological bias can contribute to differences in microbiome profiles, causing variability across studies and laboratories using different protocols. To improve consistency and confidence of the measurements, the standardization of microbiome analysis methods has been recognized in many fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Isokääntä
- Infections and Immunity Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Natalie Tomnikov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Tyks Laboratories, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Sanja Vanhatalo
- Infections and Immunity Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eveliina Munukka
- Clinical Microbiome Bank, Microbe Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Division of Digestive Surgery and Urology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Pentti Huovinen
- Infections and Immunity Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Antti J. Hakanen
- Infections and Immunity Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Tyks Laboratories, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Clinical Microbiome Bank, Microbe Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Teemu Kallonen
- Infections and Immunity Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Tyks Laboratories, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Clinical Microbiome Bank, Microbe Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Ma X, Brinker E, Lea CR, Delmain D, Chamorro ED, Martin DR, Graff EC, Wang X. Evaluation of fecal sample collection methods for feline gut microbiome profiling: fecal loop vs. litter box. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1337917. [PMID: 38800749 PMCID: PMC11127567 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1337917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Microbial population structures within fecal samples are vital for disease screening, diagnosis, and gut microbiome research. The two primary methods for collecting feline fecal samples are: (1) using a fecal loop, which retrieves a rectal sample using a small, looped instrument, and (2) using the litter box, which collects stool directly from the litter. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for different research objectives. Methods and results Whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing were performed on the gut microbiomes of fecal samples collected using these two methods from 10 adult cats housed in the same research facility. We evaluated the influence of collection methods on feline microbiome analysis, particularly their impact on DNA extraction, metagenomic sequencing yield, microbial composition, and diversity in subsequent gut microbiome analyses. Interestingly, fecal sample collection using a fecal loop resulted in a lower yield of microbial DNA compared to the litterbox method (p = 0.004). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the proportion of host contamination (p = 0.106), virus contamination (p = 0.232), relative taxonomy abundance of top five phyla (Padj > 0.638), or the number of microbial genes covered (p = 0.770). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in alpha-diversity, beta-diversity, the number of taxa identified at each taxonomic level, and the relative abundance of taxonomic units. Discussion These two sample collection methods do not affect microbial population structures within fecal samples and collecting fecal samples directly from the litterbox within 6 hours after defecation can be considered a reliable approach for microbiome research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Ma
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Emily Brinker
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Christopher R. Lea
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Diane Delmain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Erin D. Chamorro
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Douglas R. Martin
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Emily C. Graff
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
- Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
- Center for Advanced Science, Innovation, and Commerce, Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn, AL, United States
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States
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Trecarten S, Fongang B, Liss M. Current Trends and Challenges of Microbiome Research in Prostate Cancer. Curr Oncol Rep 2024; 26:477-487. [PMID: 38573440 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-024-01520-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The role of the gut microbiome in prostate cancer is an emerging area of research interest. However, no single causative organism has yet been identified. The goal of this paper is to examine the role of the microbiome in prostate cancer and summarize the challenges relating to methodology in specimen collection, sequencing technology, and interpretation of results. RECENT FINDINGS Significant heterogeneity still exists in methodology for stool sampling/storage, preservative options, DNA extraction, and sequencing database selection/in silico processing. Debate persists over primer choice in amplicon sequencing as well as optimal methods for data normalization. Statistical methods for longitudinal microbiome analysis continue to undergo refinement. While standardization of methodology may help yield more consistent results for organism identification in prostate cancer, this is a difficult task due to considerable procedural variation at each step in the process. Further reproducibility and methodology research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Trecarten
- Department of Urology, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Bernard Fongang
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Michael Liss
- Department of Urology, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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Tunsakul N, Wongsaroj L, Janchot K, Pongpirul K, Somboonna N. Non-significant influence between aerobic and anaerobic sample transport materials on gut (fecal) microbiota in healthy and fat-metabolic disorder Thai adults. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17270. [PMID: 38650647 PMCID: PMC11034497 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The appropriate sample handling for human fecal microbiota studies is essential to prevent changes in bacterial composition and quantities that could lead to misinterpretation of the data. Methods This study firstly identified the potential effect of aerobic and anaerobic fecal sample collection and transport materials on microbiota and quantitative microbiota in healthy and fat-metabolic disorder Thai adults aged 23-43 years. We employed metagenomics followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and 16S rRNA gene qPCR, to analyze taxonomic composition, alpha diversity, beta diversity, bacterial quantification, Pearson's correlation with clinical factors for fat-metabolic disorder, and the microbial community and species potential metabolic functions. Results Our study successfully obtained microbiota results in percent and quantitative compositions. Each sample exhibited quality sequences with a >99% Good's coverage index, and a relatively plateau rarefaction curve. Alpha diversity indices showed no statistical difference in percent and quantitative microbiota OTU richness and evenness, between aerobic and anaerobic sample transport materials. Obligate and facultative anaerobic species were analyzed and no statistical difference was observed. Supportively, the beta diversity analysis by non-metric multidimensional scale (NMDS) constructed using various beta diversity coefficients showed resembling microbiota community structures between aerobic and anaerobic sample transport groups (P = 0.86). On the other hand, the beta diversity could distinguish microbiota community structures between healthy and fat-metabolic disorder groups (P = 0.02), along with Pearson's correlated clinical parameters (i.e., age, liver stiffness, GGT, BMI, and TC), the significantly associated bacterial species and their microbial metabolic functions. For example, genera such as Ruminococcus and Bifidobacterium in healthy human gut provide functions in metabolisms of cofactors and vitamins, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites against gut pathogens, energy metabolisms, digestive system, and carbohydrate metabolism. These microbial functional characteristics were also predicted as healthy individual biomarkers by LEfSe scores. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that aerobic sample collection and transport (<48 h) did not statistically affect the microbiota and quantitative microbiota analyses in alpha and beta diversity measurements. The study also showed that the short-term aerobic sample collection and transport still allowed fecal microbiota differentiation between healthy and fat-metabolic disorder subjects, similar to anaerobic sample collection and transport. The core microbiota were analyzed, and the findings were consistent. Moreover, the microbiota-related metabolic potentials and bacterial species biomarkers in healthy and fat-metabolic disorder were suggested with statistical bioinformatics (i.e., Bacteroides plebeius).
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Affiliation(s)
- Naruemon Tunsakul
- Program in Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lampet Wongsaroj
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kantima Janchot
- Center of Excellence in Preventive and Integrative Medicine (CE-PIM) and Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Krit Pongpirul
- Center of Excellence in Preventive and Integrative Medicine (CE-PIM) and Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Naraporn Somboonna
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Microbiome Research Unit for Probiotics in Food and Cosmetics, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Omics Sciences and Bioinformatics Center, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Multi-Omics for Functional Products in Food, Cosmetics and Animals Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Li X, Xu L, Demaree B, Noecker C, Bisanz JE, Weisgerber DW, Modavi C, Turnbaugh PJ, Abate AR. Microbiome single cell atlases generated with a commercial instrument. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.08.551713. [PMID: 37609281 PMCID: PMC10441329 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.08.551713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Single cell sequencing is useful for resolving complex systems into their composite cell types and computationally mining them for unique features that are masked in pooled sequencing. However, while commercial instruments have made single cell analysis widespread for mammalian cells, analogous tools for microbes are limited. Here, we present EASi-seq (Easily Accessible Single microbe sequencing). By adapting the single cell workflow of the commercial Mission Bio Tapestri instrument, this method allows for efficient sequencing of individual microbes' genomes. EASi-seq allows thousands of microbes to be sequenced per run and, as we show, can generate detailed atlases of human and environmental microbiomes. The ability to capture large shotgun genome datasets from thousands of single microbes provides new opportunities in discovering and analyzing species subpopulations. To facilitate this, we develop a companion bioinformatic pipeline that clusters microbes by similarity, improving whole genome assembly, strain identification, taxonomic classification, and gene annotation. In addition, we demonstrate integration of metagenomic contigs with the EASi-seq datasets to reduce capture bias and increase coverage. Overall, EASi-seq enables high quality single cell genomic data for microbiome samples using an accessible workflow that can be run on a commercially available platform.
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Abate A, Li X, Xu L, Demaree B, Noecker C, Bisanz J, Weisgerber D, Modavi C, Turnbaugh P. Microbiome single cell atlases generated with a commercial instrument. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3253785. [PMID: 37790580 PMCID: PMC10543498 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3253785/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Single cell sequencing is useful for resolving complex systems into their composite cell types and computationally mining them for unique features that are masked in pooled sequencing. However, while commercial instruments have made single cell analysis widespread for mammalian cells, analogous tools for microbes are limited. Here, we present EASi-seq (Easily Accessible Single microbe sequencing). By adapting the single cell workflow of the commercial Mission Bio Tapestri instrument, this method allows for efficient sequencing of individual microbes' genomes. EASi-seq allows thousands of microbes to be sequenced per run and, as we show, can generate detailed atlases of human and environmental microbiomes. The ability to capture large shotgun genome datasets from thousands of single microbes provides new opportunities in discovering and analyzing species subpopulations. To facilitate this, we develop a companion bioinformatic pipeline that clusters microbes by similarity, improving whole genome assembly, strain identification, taxonomic classification, and gene annotation. In addition, we demonstrate integration of metagenomic contigs with the EASi-seq datasets to reduce capture bias and increase coverage. Overall, EASi-seq enables high quality single cell genomic data for microbiome samples using an accessible workflow that can be run on a commercially available platform.
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Rachmühl C, Lacroix C, Giorgetti A, Stoffel NU, Zimmermann MB, Brittenham GM, Geirnaert A. Validation of a batch cultivation protocol for fecal microbiota of Kenyan infants. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:174. [PMID: 37403024 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02915-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combination of cultivation studies with molecular analysis approaches allows characterization of the complex human gut microbiota in depth. In vitro cultivation studies of infants living in rural sub-Saharan Africa are scarce. In this study, a batch cultivation protocol for Kenyan infant fecal microbiota was validated. METHODS Fresh fecal samples were collected from 10 infants living in a rural area of Kenya. Samples were transported under protective conditions and subsequently prepared for inoculation within less than 30 h for batch cultivation. A diet-adapted cultivation medium was used that mimicked the daily intake of human milk and maize porridge in Kenyan infants during weaning. 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and HPLC analyses were performed to assess the composition and metabolic activity, respectively, of the fecal microbiota after 24 h of batch cultivation. RESULTS High abundance of Bifidobacterium (53.4 ± 11.1%) and high proportions of acetate (56 ± 11% of total metabolites) and lactate (24 ± 22% of total metabolites) were detected in the Kenyan infant fecal microbiota. After cultivation started at an initial pH 7.6, the fraction of top bacterial genera (≥ 1% abundant) shared between fermentation and fecal samples was high at 97 ± 5%. However, Escherichia-Shigella, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Bacteroides and Enterococcus were enriched concomitant with decreased Bifidobacterium abundance. Decreasing the initial pH to 6.9 lead to higher abundance of Bifidobacterium after incubation and increased the compositional similarity of fermentation and fecal samples. Despite similar total metabolite production of all fecal microbiota after cultivation, inter-individual differences in metabolite profiles were apparent. CONCLUSIONS Protected transport and batch cultivation in host and diet adapted conditions allowed regrowth of the top abundant genera and reproduction of the metabolic activity of fresh Kenyan infant fecal microbiota. The validated batch cultivation protocol can be used to study the composition and functional potential of Kenyan infant fecal microbiota in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Rachmühl
- Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Lacroix
- Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Ambra Giorgetti
- Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole U Stoffel
- Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael B Zimmermann
- Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gary M Brittenham
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Annelies Geirnaert
- Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Can butyrate prevent colon cancer? The AusFAP study: A randomised, crossover clinical trial. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2023; 32:101092. [PMID: 36852101 PMCID: PMC9958425 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased colonic butyrate from microbial fermentation of fibre may protect from colorectal cancer (CRC). Dietary butyrylated high amylose maize starch (HAMSB) delivers butyrate to the large bowel. The objective of this clinical trial (AusFAP) is to evaluate potential chemoprotective effects of HAMSB on polyposis in individuals with a genetic form of colon cancer, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). The study is a multi-site, double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled crossover trial undertaken at major hospitals in Australia. After a baseline endoscopy participants consume either 40g/day of HAMSB or placebo (low amylose maize) starch for 26 weeks. After another endoscopic examination participants consume the alternate starch for 26 weeks. A third endoscopy at 52 weeks is followed by 26 weeks' washout and a final endoscopy at 78 weeks. Primary outcome measure is the global large bowel polyp number. Secondary measures include global polyp size counts, and number and size of polyps at two tattoo sites: one cleared of polyps at baseline, and another safely chosen with polyps left in situ during the study. Other secondary outcome measures include the effects of intervention on cellular proliferation in colonic biopsies, faecal measures including short chain fatty acid concentrations, and participants' dietary intakes. Generalized linear mixed models analysis will be used to estimate differences in primary outcomes between intervention and placebo periods. This study represents the first clinical evaluation of the effects of increased colonic butyrate on polyp burden in FAP which, if effective, may translate to lower risk of sporadic CRC in the community. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number: 12612000804886.
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Kim JH, Jeon JY, Im YJ, Ha N, Kim JK, Moon SJ, Kim MG. Long-term taxonomic and functional stability of the gut microbiome from human fecal samples. Sci Rep 2023; 13:114. [PMID: 36596832 PMCID: PMC9810722 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27033-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Appropriate storage of fecal samples is a critical step for unbiased analysis in human microbiome studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability of the fecal microbial community for up to 18 months. Ten healthy volunteers provided fecal samples at the Jeonbuk National University Hospital. Stool samples were stored under the following six conditions: four different storage temperatures (- 70 °C, - 20 °C, 4 °C, and room temperature [20-25 °C]) and two different collection tubes (OMNIgene-Gut and DNA/RNA shield-fecal collection tubes). The gut microbiome was analyzed with 16S rRNA sequencing. We compared the taxonomic composition, alpha diversity, beta diversity and inferred pathway abundance between the baseline and 18 months after storage. Samples collected in the DNA/RNA Shield-fecal collection tubes showed the best performance in preservation of the taxonomic composition at 18 months. Pairwise differences in alpha diversity metrics showed the least deviation from zero. The PERMANOVA test showed non-significant change of beta diversity metrics (Unweighted Unifrac: q-value 0.268; Weighted Unifrac: q-value 0.848). The functional stability was significantly well preserved in the DNA/RNA Shield-fecal collection tubes (adjusted p value < 0.05). Our results demonstrate the use of the DNA/RNA Shield-fecal collection tube as an alternative storage method for fecal samples to preserve the taxonomic and functional stability of the microbiome over a long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hyun Kim
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320School of Pharmacy and Institute of New Drug Development, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Young Jeon
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Center for Clinical Pharmacology and Biomedical Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, 20, Geonji-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 54907 Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Jin Im
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Center for Clinical Pharmacology and Biomedical Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, 20, Geonji-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 54907 Republic of Korea
| | - Na Ha
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Center for Clinical Pharmacology and Biomedical Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, 20, Geonji-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 54907 Republic of Korea
| | - Jeon-Kyung Kim
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320School of Pharmacy and Institute of New Drug Development, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seol Ju Moon
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Center for Clinical Pharmacology and Biomedical Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, 20, Geonji-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 54907 Republic of Korea ,grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Gul Kim
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Center for Clinical Pharmacology and Biomedical Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, 20, Geonji-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 54907 Republic of Korea ,grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea ,grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
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Chapman JA, Stewart CJ. Methodological challenges in neonatal microbiome research. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2183687. [PMID: 36843005 PMCID: PMC9980642 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2183687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Following microbial colonization at birth, the gut microbiome plays a vital role in the healthy development of human neonates and impacts both health and disease in later life. Understanding the development of the neonatal gut microbiome and how it interacts with the neonatal host are therefore important areas of study. However, research within this field must address a range of specific challenges that impact the design and implementation of research methods. If not considered ahead of time, these challenges have the potential to introduce biases into studies, negatively affecting the relevance, reproducibility, and impact of any findings. This review outlines the nature of these challenges and points to current and future solutions, as outlined in the literature, to assist researchers in the early stages of study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A Chapman
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Christopher J Stewart
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Brauer A, Bengtsson MM. DNA extraction bias is more pronounced for microbial eukaryotes than for prokaryotes. Microbiologyopen 2022; 11:e1323. [PMID: 36314757 PMCID: PMC9524606 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA extraction and preservation bias is a recurring topic in DNA sequencing‐based microbial ecology. The different methodologies can lead to distinct outcomes, which has been demonstrated especially in studies investigating prokaryotic community composition. Eukaryotic microbes are ubiquitous, diverse, and increasingly a subject of investigation in addition to bacteria and archaea. However, little is known about how the choice of DNA preservation and extraction methodology impacts perceived eukaryotic community composition. In this study, we compared the effect of two DNA preservation methods and six DNA extraction methods on the community profiles of both eukaryotes and prokaryotes in phototrophic biofilms on seagrass (Zostera marina) leaves from the Baltic Sea. We found that, whereas both DNA preservation and extraction method caused significant bias in perceived community composition for both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, extraction bias was more pronounced for eukaryotes than for prokaryotes. In particular, soft‐bodied and hard‐shelled eukaryotes like nematodes and diatoms, respectively, were differentially abundant depending on the extraction method. We conclude that careful consideration of DNA preservation and extraction methodology is crucial to achieving representative community profiles of eukaryotes in marine biofilms and likely all other habitats containing diverse eukaryotic microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Brauer
- Institute of Microbiology University of Greifswald Greifswald Germany
| | - Mia M. Bengtsson
- Institute of Microbiology University of Greifswald Greifswald Germany
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology Greifswald Germany
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Cryopreservation of stool samples altered the microbial viability quantitively and compositionally. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:557. [PMID: 35972563 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03169-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Stool is the most commonly used sample for gut microbiota analysis in humans and animals. Cryopreservation of stool at - 80 °C is a feasible and simple method in clinics and researches, especially in large-scale cohort studies. However, the viability of bacteria in stool after freezing has yet well-demonstrated quantitatively and compositionally. This study determined the viable microbiota of samples under cryopreservation at - 80 °C, relative to fresh samples and that stored at ambient. Stool samples were collected from three healthy adults. Propidium monoazide treatment combined with quantitative PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to target viable microbiota. After freezing, the number of viable bacteria decreased, though inter-individual difference existed. Notably, the alpha diversity of viable microbiota after freezing did not change significantly, while its composition changed. Freezing significantly reduced the viable bacteria in Gram-negative genera of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, and proportionally increased Gram-positive bacteria in genera of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes, including Bifidobacterium, Collinsella and Blautia, implying that the cell envelope structure associated with the bacterial sensitivity to freezing. On the contrary, the room temperature storage not only decreased the number of viable bacteria, but also decreased the microbial alpha diversity, and remarkably enriched facultative anaerobes of Escherichia-Shigella, Enterococcus and Lactococcus, some of which are opportunistic pathogens. Our findings suggested that changes in viable microbiota in stool samples caused by cryopreservation should be paid enough attention for downstream utilization.
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13
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Sergaki C, Anwar S, Fritzsche M, Mate R, Francis RJ, MacLellan-Gibson K, Logan A, Amos GCA. Developing whole cell standards for the microbiome field. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:123. [PMID: 35945640 PMCID: PMC9361656 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01313-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective standardisation of the microbiome field is essential to facilitate global translational research and increase the reproducibility of microbiome studies. In this study, we describe the development and validation of a whole cell reference reagent specific to the gut microbiome by the UK National Institute for Biological Standards and Control. We also provide and test a two-step reporting framework to allow microbiome researchers to quickly and accurately validate choices of DNA extraction, sequencing, and bioinformatic pipelines. RESULTS Using 20 strains that are commonly found in the gut, we developed a whole cell reference reagent (WC-Gut RR) for the evaluation of the DNA extraction protocols commonly used in microbiome pipelines. DNA was first analysed using the physicochemical measures of yield, integrity, and purity, which demonstrated kits widely differed in the quality of the DNA they produced. Importantly, the combination of the WC-Gut RR and the three physicochemical measures allowed us to differentiate clearly between kit performance. We next assessed the ability of WC-Gut RR to evaluate kit performance in the reconstitution of accurate taxonomic profiles. We applied a four-measure framework consisting of Sensitivity, false-positive relative abundance (FPRA), Diversity, and Similarity as previously described for DNA reagents. Using the WC-Gut RR and these four measures, we could reliably identify the DNA extraction kits' biases when using with both 16S rRNA sequencing and shotgun sequencing. Moreover, when combining this with complementary DNA standards, we could estimate the relative bias contributions of DNA extraction kits vs bioinformatic analysis. Finally, we assessed WC-Gut RR alongside other commercially available reagents. The analysis here clearly demonstrates that reagents of lower complexity, not composed of anaerobic and hard-to-lyse strains from the gut, can artificially inflate the performance of microbiome DNA extraction kits and bioinformatic pipelines. CONCLUSIONS We produced a complex whole cell reagent that is specific for the gut microbiome and can be used to evaluate and benchmark DNA extractions in microbiome studies. Used alongside a DNA standard, the NIBSC DNA-Gut-Mix RR helps estimating where biases occur in microbiome pipelines. In the future, we aim to establish minimum thresholds for data quality through an interlaboratory collaborative study. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysi Sergaki
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK.
| | - Saba Anwar
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Martin Fritzsche
- Division of Analytical and Biological Sciences, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Ryan Mate
- Division of Analytical and Biological Sciences, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Robert J Francis
- Division of Analytical and Biological Sciences, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Kirsty MacLellan-Gibson
- Division of Analytical and Biological Sciences, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Alastair Logan
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Gregory C A Amos
- Division of Bacteriology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
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14
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Shannon E, Conlon M, Hayes M. The Prebiotic Effect of Australian Seaweeds on Commensal Bacteria and Short Chain Fatty Acid Production in a Simulated Gut Model. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14102163. [PMID: 35631304 PMCID: PMC9146517 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Diet is known to affect the composition and metabolite production of the human gut microbial community, which in turn is linked with the health and immune status of the host. Whole seaweeds (WH) and their extracts contain prebiotic components such as polysaccharides (PS) and polyphenols (PP). In this study, the Australian seaweeds, Phyllospora comosa, Ecklonia radiata, Ulva ohnoi, and their PS and PP extracts were assessed for potential prebiotic activities using an in vitro gut model that included fresh human faecal inoculum. 16S rRNA sequencing post gut simulation treatment revealed that the abundance of several taxa of commensal bacteria within the phylum Firmicutes linked with short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and gut and immune function, including the lactic acid producing order Lactobacillales and the chief butyrate-producing genera Faecalibacteria, Roseburia, Blautia, and Butyricicoccus were significantly enhanced by the inclusion of WH, PS and PP extracts. After 24 h fermentation, the abundance of total Firmicutes ranged from 57.35−81.55% in the WH, PS and PP samples, which was significantly greater (p ≤ 0.01) than the inulin (INU) polysaccharide control (32.50%) and the epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) polyphenol control (67.13%); with the exception of P. comosa PP (57.35%), which was significantly greater than INU only. However, all WH, PS and PP samples also increased the abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria; while the abundance of the phylum Actinobacteria was decreased by WH and PS samples. After 24 h incubation, the total and individual SCFAs present, including butyric, acetic and propionic acids produced by bacteria fermented with E. radiata and U. ohnoi, were significantly greater than the SCFAs identified in the INU and EGCG controls. Most notably, total SCFAs in the E. radiata PS and U. ohnoi WH samples were 227.53 and 208.68 µmol/mL, respectively, compared to only 71.05 µmol/mL in INU and 7.76 µmol/mL in the EGCG samples. This study demonstrates that whole seaweeds and their extracts have potential as functional food ingredients to support normal gut and immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emer Shannon
- Teagasc Food Biosciences, Ashtown Food Research Centre, Dunsinea Lane, Ashtown, D15 KN3K Dublin, Ireland;
- The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-1-8059980
| | - Michael Conlon
- The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health and Biosecurity, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
| | - Maria Hayes
- Teagasc Food Biosciences, Ashtown Food Research Centre, Dunsinea Lane, Ashtown, D15 KN3K Dublin, Ireland;
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15
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Rehner J, Schmartz GP, Groeger L, Dastbaz J, Ludwig N, Hannig M, Rupf S, Seitz B, Flockerzi E, Berger T, Reichert MC, Krawczyk M, Meese E, Herr C, Bals R, Becker SL, Keller A, Müller R. Systematic Cross-biospecimen Evaluation of DNA Extraction Kits for Long- and Short-read Multi-metagenomic Sequencing Studies. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2022; 20:405-417. [PMID: 35680095 PMCID: PMC9684153 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
High-quality DNA extraction is a crucial step in metagenomic studies. Bias by different isolation kits impairs the comparison across datasets. A trending topic is, however, the analysis of multiple metagenomes from the same patients to draw a holistic picture of microbiota associated with diseases. We thus collected bile, stool, saliva, plaque, sputum, and conjunctival swab samples and performed DNA extraction with three commercial kits. For each combination of the specimen type and DNA extraction kit, 20-gigabase (Gb) metagenomic data were generated using short-read sequencing. While profiles of the specimen types showed close proximity to each other, we observed notable differences in the alpha diversity and composition of the microbiota depending on the DNA extraction kits. No kit outperformed all selected kits on every specimen. We reached consistently good results using the Qiagen QiAamp DNA Microbiome Kit. Depending on the specimen, our data indicate that over 10 Gb of sequencing data are required to achieve sufficient resolution, but DNA-based identification is superior to identification by mass spectrometry. Finally, long-read nanopore sequencing confirmed the results (correlation coefficient > 0.98). Our results thus suggest using a strategy with only one kit for studies aiming for a direct comparison of multiple microbiotas from the same patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Rehner
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | | | - Laura Groeger
- Department of Human Genetics, Saarland University, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Jan Dastbaz
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Nicole Ludwig
- Department of Human Genetics, Saarland University, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Hannig
- Clinic of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Saarland University, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Rupf
- Clinic of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Saarland University, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Berthold Seitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Elias Flockerzi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Tim Berger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | | | - Marcin Krawczyk
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Eckart Meese
- Department of Human Genetics, Saarland University, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Christian Herr
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Pulmonology, Allergology, Intensive Care Medicine, Saarland University, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Robert Bals
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Pulmonology, Allergology, Intensive Care Medicine, Saarland University, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Sören L Becker
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Keller
- Clinical Bioinformatics, Saarland University, D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - Rolf Müller
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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16
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Plauzolles A, Toumi E, Bonnet M, Pénaranda G, Bidaut G, Chiche L, Allardet-Servent J, Retornaz F, Goutorbe B, Halfon P. Human Stool Preservation Impacts Taxonomic Profiles in 16S Metagenomics Studies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:722886. [PMID: 35211421 PMCID: PMC8860989 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.722886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbiotas play critical roles in human health, yet in most cases scientists lack standardized and reproducible methods from collection and preservation of samples, as well as the choice of omic analysis, up to the data processing. To date, stool sample preservation remains a source of technological bias in metagenomic sequencing, despite newly developed storage solutions. Here, we conducted a comparative study of 10 storage methods for human stool over a 14-day period of storage at fluctuating temperatures. We first compared the performance of each stabilizer with observed bacterial composition variation within the same specimen. Then, we identified the nature of the observed variations to determine which bacterial populations were more impacted by the stabilizer. We found that DNA stabilizers display various stabilizing efficacies and affect the recovered bacterial profiles thus highlighting that some solutions are more performant in preserving the true gut microbial community. Furthermore, our results showed that the bias associated with the stabilizers can be linked to the phenotypical traits of the bacterial populations present in the studied samples. Although newly developed storage solutions have improved our capacity to stabilize stool microbial content over time, they are nevertheless not devoid of biases hence requiring the implantation of standard operating procedures. Acknowledging the biases and limitations of the implemented method is key to better interpret and support true associated microbiome patterns that will then lead us towards personalized medicine, in which the microbiota profile could constitute a reliable tool for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Plauzolles
- Clinical Research and R&D Department, Laboratoire Européen Alphabio, Marseille, France
- *Correspondence: Anne Plauzolles,
| | - Eya Toumi
- Clinical Research and R&D Department, Laboratoire Européen Alphabio, Marseille, France
- MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Marion Bonnet
- Clinical Research and R&D Department, Laboratoire Européen Alphabio, Marseille, France
| | - Guillaume Pénaranda
- Clinical Research and R&D Department, Laboratoire Européen Alphabio, Marseille, France
| | - Ghislain Bidaut
- CRCM, Aix‐Marseille Univ U105, Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli‐Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Chiche
- Infectious and Internal Medicine Department, Hôpital Européen Marseille, Marseille, France
| | | | - Frédérique Retornaz
- Infectious and Internal Medicine Department, Hôpital Européen Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Benoit Goutorbe
- Clinical Research and R&D Department, Laboratoire Européen Alphabio, Marseille, France
- CRCM, Aix‐Marseille Univ U105, Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli‐Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, MaIAGE, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Philippe Halfon
- Clinical Research and R&D Department, Laboratoire Européen Alphabio, Marseille, France
- Infectious and Internal Medicine Department, Hôpital Européen Marseille, Marseille, France
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17
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Nearing JT, Comeau AM, Langille MGI. Identifying biases and their potential solutions in human microbiome studies. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:113. [PMID: 34006335 PMCID: PMC8132403 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01059-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Advances in DNA sequencing technology have vastly improved the ability of researchers to explore the microbial inhabitants of the human body. Unfortunately, while these studies have uncovered the importance of these microbial communities to our health, they often do not result in similar findings. One possible reason for the disagreement in these results is due to the multitude of systemic biases that are introduced during sequence-based microbiome studies. These biases begin with sample collection and continue to be introduced throughout the entire experiment leading to an observed community that is significantly altered from the true underlying microbial composition. In this review, we will highlight the various steps in typical sequence-based human microbiome studies where significant bias can be introduced, and we will review the current efforts within the field that aim to reduce the impact of these biases. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob T Nearing
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - André M Comeau
- Integrated Microbiome Resource, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Morgan G I Langille
- Integrated Microbiome Resource, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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18
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Recovering prokaryotic genomes from host-associated, short-read shotgun metagenomic sequencing data. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:2520-2541. [PMID: 33864056 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00508-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Recovering genomes from shotgun metagenomic sequence data allows detailed taxonomic and functional characterization of individual species or strains in a microbial community. Retrieving these metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) involves seven stages. First, low-quality bases, along with adapter and host sequences, are removed. Second, overlapping sequences are assembled to create longer contiguous fragments. Third, these fragments are clustered based on sequence composition and abundance. Fourth, these sequence clusters, or bins, undergo rounds of quality assessment and refinement to yield MAGs. The optional fifth stage is dereplication of MAGs to select representatives. Next, each MAG is taxonomically classified. The optional seventh stage is assessing the fraction of diversity that has been recovered. The output of this protocol is draft genomes, which can provide invaluable clues about uncultured organisms. This protocol takes ~1 week to run, depending on computational resources available, and requires prior experience with high-performance computing, shell script programming and Python.
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19
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Tourlousse DM, Narita K, Miura T, Sakamoto M, Ohashi A, Shiina K, Matsuda M, Miura D, Shimamura M, Ohyama Y, Yamazoe A, Uchino Y, Kameyama K, Arioka S, Kataoka J, Hisada T, Fujii K, Takahashi S, Kuroiwa M, Rokushima M, Nishiyama M, Tanaka Y, Fuchikami T, Aoki H, Kira S, Koyanagi R, Naito T, Nishiwaki M, Kumagai H, Konda M, Kasahara K, Ohkuma M, Kawasaki H, Sekiguchi Y, Terauchi J. Validation and standardization of DNA extraction and library construction methods for metagenomics-based human fecal microbiome measurements. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:95. [PMID: 33910647 PMCID: PMC8082873 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01048-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Validation and standardization of methodologies for microbial community measurements by high-throughput sequencing are needed to support human microbiome research and its industrialization. This study set out to establish standards-based solutions to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of metagenomics-based microbiome profiling of human fecal samples. RESULTS In the first phase, we performed a head-to-head comparison of a wide range of protocols for DNA extraction and sequencing library construction using defined mock communities, to identify performant protocols and pinpoint sources of inaccuracy in quantification. In the second phase, we validated performant protocols with respect to their variability of measurement results within a single laboratory (that is, intermediate precision) as well as interlaboratory transferability and reproducibility through an industry-based collaborative study. We further ascertained the performance of our recommended protocols in the context of a community-wide interlaboratory study (that is, the MOSAIC Standards Challenge). Finally, we defined performance metrics to provide best practice guidance for improving measurement consistency across methods and laboratories. CONCLUSIONS The validated protocols and methodological guidance for DNA extraction and library construction provided in this study expand current best practices for metagenomic analyses of human fecal microbiota. Uptake of our protocols and guidelines will improve the accuracy and comparability of metagenomics-based studies of the human microbiome, thereby facilitating development and commercialization of human microbiome-based products. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter M Tourlousse
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan
| | - Koji Narita
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- Chitose Laboratory Corp., Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-0041, Japan
| | - Takamasa Miura
- Biological Resource Center, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), Kisarazu, Chiba, 292-0818, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Sakamoto
- Microbe Division/Japan Collection of Microorganisms, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Akiko Ohashi
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan
| | - Keita Shiina
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan
| | - Masami Matsuda
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan
| | - Daisuke Miura
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan
| | - Mamiko Shimamura
- Biological Resource Center, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), Kisarazu, Chiba, 292-0818, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Ohyama
- Biological Resource Center, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), Kisarazu, Chiba, 292-0818, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yamazoe
- Biological Resource Center, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), Kisarazu, Chiba, 292-0818, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Uchino
- Biological Resource Center, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), Kisarazu, Chiba, 292-0818, Japan
| | - Keishi Kameyama
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- Institute of Food Sciences and Technologies, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 210-8681, Japan
| | - Shingo Arioka
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- Laboratory for Innovative Therapy Research, Shionogi and Co., Ltd., Toyonaka, Osaka, 561-0825, Japan
| | - Jiro Kataoka
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- Japan Tobacco Inc., Minato, Tokyo, 105-6927, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Hisada
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- TechnoSuruga Laboratory Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 424-0065, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Fujii
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medical Innovations, New Drug Research Division, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokushima, Tokushima, 771-0192, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Takahashi
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- TechnoSuruga Laboratory Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 424-0065, Japan
| | - Miho Kuroiwa
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- Laboratory for Innovative Therapy Research, Shionogi and Co., Ltd., Toyonaka, Osaka, 561-0825, Japan
| | - Masatomo Rokushima
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- Laboratory for Innovative Therapy Research, Shionogi and Co., Ltd., Toyonaka, Osaka, 561-0825, Japan
| | - Mitsue Nishiyama
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., Ami, Ibaraki, 300-1192, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Tanaka
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- Biofermin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0021, Japan
| | - Takuya Fuchikami
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- CDM Center Division 4, Takara Bio Inc., Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-0058, Japan
| | - Hitomi Aoki
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- CDM Center Division 4, Takara Bio Inc., Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-0058, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kira
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- CDM Center Division 4, Takara Bio Inc., Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-0058, Japan
| | - Ryo Koyanagi
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- Molecular Genetic Research Department, Advanced Technology Center, LSI Medience Corporation, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 101-8517, Japan
| | - Takeshi Naito
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- H.U. Group Research Institute G.K., Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0031, Japan
| | - Morie Nishiwaki
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- H.U. Group Research Institute G.K., Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0031, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kumagai
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- JSR-Keio University Medical and Chemical Innovation Center, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Mikiko Konda
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- JSR-Keio University Medical and Chemical Innovation Center, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ken Kasahara
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
- Chitose Laboratory Corp., Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-0041, Japan
| | - Moriya Ohkuma
- Microbe Division/Japan Collection of Microorganisms, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Hiroko Kawasaki
- Biological Resource Center, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), Kisarazu, Chiba, 292-0818, Japan
| | - Yuji Sekiguchi
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan.
| | - Jun Terauchi
- Japan Microbiome Consortium (JMBC), Osaka, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan.
- Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Osaka, Osaka, 541-8564, Japan.
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20
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Burchill E, Lymberopoulos E, Menozzi E, Budhdeo S, McIlroy JR, Macnaughtan J, Sharma N. The Unique Impact of COVID-19 on Human Gut Microbiome Research. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:652464. [PMID: 33796545 PMCID: PMC8007773 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.652464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted clinical trials globally, with unique implications for research into the human gut microbiome. In this mini-review, we explore the direct and indirect influences of the pandemic on the gut microbiome and how these can affect research and clinical trials. We explore the direct bidirectional relationships between the COVID-19 virus and the gut and lung microbiomes. We then consider the significant indirect effects of the pandemic, such as repeated lockdowns, increased hand hygiene, and changes to mood and diet, that could all lead to longstanding changes to the gut microbiome at an individual and a population level. Together, these changes may affect long term microbiome research, both in observational as well as in population studies, requiring urgent attention. Finally, we explore the unique implications for clinical trials using faecal microbiota transplants (FMT), which are increasingly investigated as potential treatments for a range of diseases. The pandemic introduces new barriers to participation in trials, while the direct and indirect effects laid out above can present a confounding factor. This affects recruitment and sample size, as well as study design and statistical analyses. Therefore, the potential impact of the pandemic on gut microbiome research is significant and needs to be specifically addressed by the research community and funders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Burchill
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Lymberopoulos
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) AI-Enabled Healthcare Systems, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Menozzi
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sanjay Budhdeo
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jane Macnaughtan
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nikhil Sharma
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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21
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Spichak S, Bastiaanssen TFS, Berding K, Vlckova K, Clarke G, Dinan TG, Cryan JF. Mining microbes for mental health: Determining the role of microbial metabolic pathways in human brain health and disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 125:698-761. [PMID: 33675857 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing knowledge regarding the role of the microbiome in modulating the brain and behaviour. Indeed, the actions of microbial metabolites are key for appropriate gut-brain communication in humans. Among these metabolites, short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan, and bile acid metabolites/pathways show strong preclinical evidence for involvement in various aspects of brain function and behaviour. With the identification of neuroactive gut-brain modules, new predictive tools can be applied to existing datasets. We identified 278 studies relating to the human microbiota-gut-brain axis which included sequencing data. This spanned across psychiatric and neurological disorders with a small number also focused on normal behavioural development. With a consistent bioinformatics pipeline, thirty-five of these datasets were reanalysed from publicly available raw sequencing files and the remainder summarised and collated. Among the reanalysed studies, we uncovered evidence of disease-related alterations in microbial metabolic pathways in Alzheimer's Disease, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression. Amongst studies that could not be reanalysed, many sequencing and technical limitations hindered the discovery of specific biomarkers of microbes or metabolites conserved across studies. Future studies are warranted to confirm our findings. We also propose guidelines for future human microbiome analysis to increase reproducibility and consistency within the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Spichak
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Thomaz F S Bastiaanssen
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Kirsten Berding
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Klara Vlckova
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard Clarke
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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22
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Leeming ER, Louca P, Gibson R, Menni C, Spector TD, Le Roy CI. The complexities of the diet-microbiome relationship: advances and perspectives. Genome Med 2021; 13:10. [PMID: 33472701 PMCID: PMC7819159 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-020-00813-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Personalised dietary modulation of the gut microbiota may be key to disease management. Current investigations provide a broad understanding of the impact of diet on the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, yet detailed knowledge in applying diet as an actionable tool remains limited. Further to the relative novelty of the field, approaches are yet to be standardised and extremely heterogeneous research outcomes have ensued. This may be related to confounders associated with complexities in capturing an accurate representation of both diet and the gut microbiota. This review discusses the intricacies and current methodologies of diet-microbial relations, the implications and limitations of these investigative approaches, and future considerations that may assist in accelerating applications. New investigations should consider improved collection of dietary data, further characterisation of mechanistic interactions, and an increased focus on -omic technologies such as metabolomics to describe the bacterial and metabolic activity of food degradation, together with its crosstalk with the host. Furthermore, clinical evidence with health outcomes is required before therapeutic dietary strategies for microbial amelioration can be made. The potential to reach detailed understanding of diet-microbiota relations may depend on re-evaluation, progression, and unification of research methodologies, which consider the complexities of these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Leeming
- The Department of Twin Research, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, 3-4th Floor South Wing Block D, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Panayiotis Louca
- The Department of Twin Research, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, 3-4th Floor South Wing Block D, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Rachel Gibson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Cristina Menni
- The Department of Twin Research, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, 3-4th Floor South Wing Block D, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Tim D Spector
- The Department of Twin Research, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, 3-4th Floor South Wing Block D, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK.
| | - Caroline I Le Roy
- The Department of Twin Research, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, 3-4th Floor South Wing Block D, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK.
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23
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Abstract
The use of fecal inoculums for in vitro fermentation models requires a viable gut microbiota, capable of fermenting the unabsorbed nutrients. Fresh samples from human donors are used; however, the availability of fresh fecal inoculum and its inherent variability is often a problem. This study aimed to optimize a method of preserving pooled human fecal samples for in vitro fermentation studies. Different conditions and times of storage at −20 °C were tested. In vitro fermentation experiments were carried out for both fresh and frozen inoculums, and the metabolic profile compared. In comparison with the fresh, the inoculum frozen in a PBS and 30% glycerol solution, had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) bacterial count (<1 log CFU/mL). However, no significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the metabolic profiles after 48 h. Hence, a PBS and 30% glycerol solution can be used to maintain the gut microbiota viability during storage at −20 °C for at least 3 months, without interfering with the normal course of colonic fermentation.
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24
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Lyons KE, Fouhy F, O’ Shea C, Ryan CA, Dempsey EM, Ross RP, Stanton C. Effect of storage, temperature, and extraction kit on the phylogenetic composition detected in the human milk microbiota. Microbiologyopen 2021; 10:e1127. [PMID: 33373099 PMCID: PMC7841076 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Human milk is considered the optimum feeding regime for newborns and is a source of bacteria for the developing infant gastrointestinal tract. However, as with all low biomass samples, standardization across variabilities such as sample collection, storage, and extraction methods is needed to eliminate discrepancies in microbial composition across studies. The aim of this study was to investigate how different storage methods, temperatures, preservatives, and extraction kits influence the human milk microbiome, compared to fresh samples. Breast milk samples were processed via six different methods: fresh (Method 1), frozen at -80°C (Method 2), treated with RNAlater and stored at 4°C or -80°C (Methods 3 and 4), and treated with Milk Preservation Solution at room temperature (Methods 5 and 6). Methods 1-5 were extracted using PowerFoodTM Microbial DNA Isolation kit (Mobio), and Method 6 was extracted using Milk DNA Preservation and Isolation kit (Norgen BioTek). At genus level, the most abundant genera were shared across Methods 1-5. Samples frozen at -80°C had fewest significant changes while samples treated and extracted using Milk Preservation and Isolation kit had the most significant changes when compared to fresh samples. Diversity analysis indicated that variation in microbiota composition was related to the method and extraction kit used. This study highlighted that, when extraction from fresh milk samples is not an option, freezing at -80°C is the next best option to preserve the integrity of the milk microbiome. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that choice of extraction kit had a profound impact on the microbiota populations detected in milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katriona E. Lyons
- Teagasc Food Research CentreMoorepark, Fermoy, Co.CorkIreland
- School of MicrobiologyUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Fiona Fouhy
- Teagasc Food Research CentreMoorepark, Fermoy, Co.CorkIreland
- APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | | | - C. Anthony Ryan
- APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Department of NeonatologyCork University Maternity HospitalCorkIreland
| | - Eugene M. Dempsey
- APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Department of NeonatologyCork University Maternity HospitalCorkIreland
| | - R. Paul Ross
- APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Catherine Stanton
- Teagasc Food Research CentreMoorepark, Fermoy, Co.CorkIreland
- APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
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25
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Bokulich NA, Ziemski M, Robeson MS, Kaehler BD. Measuring the microbiome: Best practices for developing and benchmarking microbiomics methods. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:4048-4062. [PMID: 33363701 PMCID: PMC7744638 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.11.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbiomes are integral components of diverse ecosystems, and increasingly recognized for their roles in the health of humans, animals, plants, and other hosts. Given their complexity (both in composition and function), the effective study of microbiomes (microbiomics) relies on the development, optimization, and validation of computational methods for analyzing microbial datasets, such as from marker-gene (e.g., 16S rRNA gene) and metagenome data. This review describes best practices for benchmarking and implementing computational methods (and software) for studying microbiomes, with particular focus on unique characteristics of microbiomes and microbiomics data that should be taken into account when designing and testing microbiomics methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Bokulich
- Laboratory of Food Systems Biotechnology, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michal Ziemski
- Laboratory of Food Systems Biotechnology, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael S. Robeson
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Little Rock, AR, USA
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26
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Pös Z, Pös O, Styk J, Mocova A, Strieskova L, Budis J, Kadasi L, Radvanszky J, Szemes T. Technical and Methodological Aspects of Cell-Free Nucleic Acids Analyzes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228634. [PMID: 33207777 PMCID: PMC7697251 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Analyzes of cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs) have shown huge potential in many biomedical applications, gradually entering several fields of research and everyday clinical care. Many biological properties of cfNAs can be informative to gain deeper insights into the function of the organism, such as their different types (DNA, RNAs) and subtypes (gDNA, mtDNA, bacterial DNA, miRNAs, etc.), forms (naked or vesicle bound NAs), fragmentation profiles, sequence composition, epigenetic modifications, and many others. On the other hand, the workflows of their analyzes comprise many important steps, from sample collection, storage and transportation, through extraction and laboratory analysis, up to bioinformatic analyzes and statistical evaluations, where each of these steps has the potential to affect the outcome and informational value of the performed analyzes. There are, however, no universal or standard protocols on how to exactly proceed when analyzing different cfNAs for different applications, at least according to our best knowledge. We decided therefore to prepare an overview of the available literature and products commercialized for cfNAs processing, in an attempt to summarize the benefits and limitations of the currently available approaches, devices, consumables, and protocols, together with various factors influencing the workflow, its processes, and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Pös
- Institute of Clinical and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.P.); (A.M.); (L.K.)
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Geneton Ltd., 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (L.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Ondrej Pös
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Geneton Ltd., 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (L.S.); (J.B.)
- Comenius University Science Park, Comenius University, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Jakub Styk
- Comenius University Science Park, Comenius University, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Angelika Mocova
- Institute of Clinical and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.P.); (A.M.); (L.K.)
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | | | - Jaroslav Budis
- Geneton Ltd., 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (L.S.); (J.B.)
- Comenius University Science Park, Comenius University, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Slovak Center of Scientific and Technical Information, 811 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ludevit Kadasi
- Institute of Clinical and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.P.); (A.M.); (L.K.)
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Jan Radvanszky
- Institute of Clinical and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.P.); (A.M.); (L.K.)
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Comenius University Science Park, Comenius University, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: (J.R.); (T.S.); Tel.: +421-2-60296637 (J.R.); +421-2-9026-8807 (T.S.)
| | - Tomas Szemes
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Geneton Ltd., 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia; (L.S.); (J.B.)
- Comenius University Science Park, Comenius University, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: (J.R.); (T.S.); Tel.: +421-2-60296637 (J.R.); +421-2-9026-8807 (T.S.)
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27
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Ahmed LA, Salem MB, Seif El-Din SH, El-Lakkany NM, Ahmed HO, Nasr SM, Hammam OA, Botros SS, Saleh S. Gut microbiota modulation as a promising therapy with metformin in rats with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: Role of LPS/TLR4 and autophagy pathways. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 887:173461. [PMID: 32758573 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gut microbiota is a crucial factor in pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Therefore, targeting the gut-liver axis might be a novel therapeutic approach to treat NASH. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of a probiotic (Lactobacillus reuteri) and metronidazole (MTZ) (an antibiotic against Bacteroidetes) either alone or in combination with metformin (MTF) in experimentally-induced NASH. NASH was induced by feeding rats high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. MTF (150 mg/kg/day) or L. reuteri (2x109 colony forming unit/day) were given orally for 8 weeks; meanwhile, MTZ (15 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was administered for 1 week. Treatment with L. reuteri and MTZ in combination with MTF showed additional benefit compared to MTF alone concerning lipid profile, liver function, oxidative stress, inflammatory and autophagic markers. Furthermore, combined regimen succeeded to modulate acetate: propionate: butyrate ratios as well as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes fecal contents with improvement of insulin resistance (IR). Yet, the administration of MTF alone failed to normalize Bacteriodetes and acetate contents which could be the reason for its moderate effect. In conclusion, gut microbiota modulation may be an attractive therapeutic avenue against NASH. More attention should be paid to deciphering the crosstalk mechanisms linking gut microbiota to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to identify new therapeutic targets for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamiaa A Ahmed
- Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Maha B Salem
- Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | | | | | - Hend O Ahmed
- Biochemistry, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Sami M Nasr
- Biochemistry, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Sanaa S Botros
- Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Samira Saleh
- Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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28
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Boullerne AI, Adami GR, Schwartz JL, Skias D, Maienschein-Cline M, Green SJ, Feinstein DL. Deep DNA metagenomic sequencing reveals oral microbiome divergence between monozygotic twins discordant for multiple sclerosis severity. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 343:577237. [PMID: 32289594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to gut, the oral microbiome of MS patients has not been characterized. Deep sequencing of saliva DNA from a pair of monozygotic twins (MSF1 with relapsing remitting MS; MSF2 with clinically isolated syndrome) identified 2036 bacterial species. Relative abundances of 3 phyla were higher, and 3 lower in MSF1 versus MSF2. Species diversity was greater in MSF2, and 20 abundant species differed at least 2-fold. Pathway analysis identified 116 functional hierarchies differing 50% or more. Although limited to one pair of twins, our data suggests that oral microbiome analysis may be useful for diagnosis or monitoring therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne I Boullerne
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Guy R Adami
- Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Services, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joel L Schwartz
- Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Services, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Demetrios Skias
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Stefan J Green
- Research Resources Center, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Douglas L Feinstein
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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29
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Kates AE, Jarrett O, Skarlupka JH, Sethi A, Duster M, Watson L, Suen G, Poulsen K, Safdar N. Household Pet Ownership and the Microbial Diversity of the Human Gut Microbiota. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:73. [PMID: 32185142 PMCID: PMC7058978 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiome has a great deal of interpersonal variation due to both endogenous and exogenous factors, like household pet exposure. To examine the relationship between having a pet in the home and the composition and diversity of the adult gut microbiome, we conducted a case-control study nested in a larger, statewide study, the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin. Stool samples were collected from 332 participants from unique households and analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq. One hundred and seventy-eight participants had some type of pet in the home with dogs and cats being the most prevalent. We observed no difference in alpha and beta diversity between those with and without pets, though seven OTUs were significantly more abundant in those without pets compared to those with pets, and four were significantly more abundant in those with pets. When stratifying by age, seven of these remained significant. These results suggest that pet ownership is associated with differences in the human gut microbiota. Further research is needed to better characterize the effect of pet ownership on the human gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley E. Kates
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Medicine, William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Omar Jarrett
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Joseph H. Skarlupka
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Medicine, William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Bacteriology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ajay Sethi
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Megan Duster
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Medicine, William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Lauren Watson
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Medicine, William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Garret Suen
- Department of Bacteriology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Keith Poulsen
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nasia Safdar
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Medicine, William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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