Host Transcriptome Characterization

The analytical methods and related tools for integrating host transcriptome with microbiome are applied in gut microbiota studies. Experts at Creative Biolabs in microbial genomics are pleased to support our clients’ host transcriptome projects according to their special needs.

Background

The human intestine is a complex ecosystem. The microbiota and host share an extensive platform for intercellular signaling and defense against potential pathogens. Host-gut microbiota interactions are of interest in current studies. 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomic sequencing can be coupled with host transcriptomics to investigate how different aspects of the gut microbiome affect host gene expression and vice versa.

Fig.1 Using mice as a model organism for characterizing gut microbiome-host relationships. (Nichols, 2021)

Host Transcriptome Characterization Services

The development of high-throughput techniques such as next-generation sequencing allows us to perform transcriptome studies, which provide accurate functional profiling data.

Advantages of host transcriptome analysis include:

1. Characterization of all transcriptional activity, coding and non-coding, without prior assumptions.
2. Fast profiling and deep investigation of the whole transcriptome, or portions of the transcriptome.
3. It is a formidable tool that can be used for a better understanding of the underlying pathways controlling cell fate, development, and disease progression in a host.

Microarrays and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) are two common techniques for transcriptomic profiling. The main difference between RNA-seq and microarrays is that the former allows for full sequencing of the whole transcriptome while the latter only profiles predefined transcripts/genes through hybridization.

• Microarrays

The study of transcriptomics often uses high-throughput techniques based on DNA microarray technology. Transcripts are extracted from the cell or tissue samples to be investigated, labeled with fluorescent dyes, hybridized to the arrays, washed, and scanned with a laser. Probes that correspond to transcribed RNA hybridize to their complementary target. Transcript abundance is determined by the hybridization of fluorescently labeled transcripts to these probes.

• RNA-seq

RNA-seq uses high-throughput sequencing approaches to determine the sequence of all RNA transcripts in a given specimen. Once the transcript molecules have been prepared, they can be sequenced in just one direction (single-end) or both directions (paired-end). Finally, reads that map back to the reference are then counted to assess the level of gene expression.

An interplay between gut microbiota and host can affect human health or disease status. The study of the microbial community associated with a human host is a maturing research field. Creative Biolabs provides high-quality host transcriptome characterization services and executes each procedure strictly. Our experienced personnel will help you to define how our services can be best leveraged for your project, and our strict quality control can ensure the integrity of delivered results. Please feel free to contact us.

References

1. Nichols, R.G.; Davenport, E.R. The relationship between the gut microbiome and host gene expression: a review. Human genetics. 2021, 140(5): 747-760.
2. Westermann, A.J.; et al. Dual RNA-seq of pathogen and host. Nature Reviews Microbiology. 2012, 10(9): 618-630.

For Research Use Only | Not For Clinical Use