Microbiome in health and disease
The Institute for Digestive Research conducts comprehensive microbiome and mycobiome analyses. The Institute investigates microorganism-produced metabolites and the alterations in microbiome and mycobiome profiles depending on the clinical characterization of the study subjects.
The studies involve both high- and low-biomass samples, utilizing human and mouse models. Sequencing library preparation can be carried out using standard or custom primers targeting bacteria- and fungi-specific regions (16S rRNA and ITS). The Institute also performs sequencing and provides in-depth bioinformatics and statistical analysis of the data.
Research interests
– Development and optimization of sequencing workflows using standard and custom primers targeting bacteria- and fungi-specific regions (16S rRNA, ITS).
– Comprehensive bioinformatics and statistical analysis of microbiome and mycobiome compositions, including high-biomass samples (e.g., stool) and low-biomass samples (e.g., blood, tissue biopsies, breast milk and urine).
– Investigation of disease-associated microbial shifts and profiling of microorganism-derived metabolites in studies of host–microbe interactions and clinical phenotypes.
– IgA sequencing for the identification and characterization of IgA-coated microbial communities, offering valuable insights into host immune regulation and the selective pressures shaping the microbiota in both health and disease contexts.
Core facilities
– Gastrointestinal and liver disease biobank.
– Molecular analysis (DNA extraction, PCR, quality control, sequencing library preparation).
– NGS facilities.
– Computational resources.
Main contacts
