Microbiome Flashcards
What is the microbiome?
Ecological community of commensal symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms that literally share our body space.
Is this new research?
Concept is old 1875. Pierre van Beneden Animal parasites 264 examples for human host. 1-3%, generally non-pathogenic. Symbiotic with host. New research on it.
Who and where are the microbiome?
Mostly bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa etc. In gut, skin, oral, respiratory, vagina. Newly discovered in eyes.
How many are there?
10:1 human to bacteria cell ratio in 1972. Calculated in 2016 1.3:1.
How was the number calculated?
In 1970s different calculated number of human cells with no reference. New 2016 used number of red blood cells with evidence.
What are the functions of the microbiome?
Mucus production, digestion, ward off pathogens, lubricate pulmonary tissues, prevent gastric complications, maintain pH and hydrogen peroxide levels, fortify immune system, scent production.
What is the vaginal microbiome?
Do babies already have microbiomes. NO. The way it is developed is influenced by mothers and development in womb. Microbiome diversity increases post partum.
What is the definition of dysbiosis?
An imbalance between the types of organisms in the body especially that of the gut, thought to contribute to a range of conditions of ill health. Loss of beneficial bacteria, overgrowth of potentially pathogenic bacteria, loss of overall bacterial diversity. Occurs with age.
What is gut brain axis?
Interaction between gut microbiome with brain function. Contributes to health.
What diseases does dysbiosis contribute to?
Cancer, diabetes, brain disorders, kidney, liver, bowel, heart, respiratory.
What methods are used to study microbiomes?
DNA-based approaches, RNA-based approaches, protein-based approaches and metabolite based approaches.
How is 16S rRNA used?
Mostly used in microbiomes to look at genome because due to this being structural and has the variable and conserved regions. Conserved can be used as an anchor to amplify all bacteria as same primers can be used then variable region is used to identify the type of bacteria.
What is ONT nanopore long read sequencing?
Native DNA/RNA passed through nanopore. Current that typifies unique sequence of bases is recorded and analysed.
How is nanopore sequencing used for microbiomes?
Real-time/live sequencing. Rapid pathogen identification. Detecting bacterial, viral and fungal in clinical setting. Long read so improves metagenomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics. Precision (identify microbial signatures, complex microbial communities, track dysbiosis, link to disease)
How can microbiome research be used with nanopore sequencing?
maternal, pregnancy, microbiome diversity, oral, autoimmune diseases, cancer, rapid pathogen detection in blood, antibiotics, skin.
