Animal Microbiome Meta-transcriptomics Analysis

Meta-transcriptomics, as a crucial technology for studying gene expression in microbial communities, reveals the active members of the community and their expressed genes and associated functions through the direct analysis of community RNA. BioVenic offers customized animal microbiome meta-transcriptome services to researchers. These services complement 16S rRNA full-length sequencing and shotgun sequencing by providing additional biological information. Our services distinguish between active, inactive, and deceased members of the sample community, offering insights that are not easily accessible otherwise. We have developed standardized solutions for the collection, preparation, RNA sequencing, and data analysis of animal-related microbial samples for meta-transcriptomic analysis. Our aim is to minimize sample degradation and interference between ribosomal RNA and host RNA, while providing a comprehensive snapshot of the microbial transcriptome status in the sample. We offer scientific researchers an efficient tool for monitoring RNA-based regulation and expression biosignatures of microbial communities in a specific animal sample at a particular moment, across various conditions, without the requirement for culture. This includes, but is not limited to, diversity in gene activity, abundance of gene expression, and analysis of differential gene expression.

Fig.1 Human Fecal Microbiome Meta-transcriptomic and Metagenomic Analysis. ¹

Animal Microbiome Meta-transcriptomics Analysis Services

The meta-transcriptomic technology service we have launched involves the sequencing and analysis of the combined microbial transcriptome found in animals and related samples. This service is used to characterize microbial communities associated with animals and to gain a deeper understanding of microbial activities that are closely linked to diseases and physiological states. We optimized and improved the adapted meta-transcriptome analysis workflow, based on microbiome analysis. Additionally, we developed an exclusive strategy for sample preparation, sequencing, and bioinformatics methods. By selecting BioVenic’s high-quality, standardized meta-transcriptomic solutions, researchers can easily accomplish the following challenging tasks:

• Isolation and Preparation of RNA

BioVenic's technical team immediately lyses the cells to extract transcribed RNA using a standardized high-efficiency RNA extraction workflow in order to eliminate any invalid RNA after sampling. For samples that need to be transported and stored, we employ quick freezing or stable solution storage methods to ensure both transcription activity and RNA integrity are doubly protected.

• Prevention of Microbiological Contamination

BioVenic takes the most stringent measures to prevent microbial contamination, which is common in microbial sequencing and meta-transcriptomic studies. We incorporate negative and positive controls at various stages of the solution workflow. This includes sequencing blanks obtained during sampling, samples extracted from nucleic acid-free sample material, and template-free amplification samples. These controls are used to monitor external and cross-reactivity. At the same time, we take into consideration contamination control and error handling during the experimental operation and data processing stages to ensure the authenticity and reliability of the final delivery results.

• Data Analysis with Multiple Strategies

The data analysis services we provide for researchers studying the microbial meta-transcriptome of animal samples are based on strict quality control. The integration of sequencing results is completed through assembly and overlapping to understand the active microorganisms and their functions in the community. BioVenic relies on a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis platform to perform downstream analysis, which transforms data into biological hypotheses that serve various research goals.

Flow Chart of Animal Microbiome Meta-transcriptomics Analysis Solutions

Animal-associated Microbiome Meta-transcriptome Applications

• Characterize the active microbial and functional diversity in animal-associated environments.
• Identify the important pathways and expression functions of active microorganisms.
• Understand the interactions between microorganisms and their animal hosts, animal nutrition and metabolism, animal genetics, animal health and diseases, microbiome transmission and transplant among animals.
• Understand the metabolic activities of the oral microbiota, gut microbiota, and rumen microbiota to enhance feed efficiency, improve animal immunity and reduce oxidation and inflammation, as well as mitigate environmental stress by reducing rumen gas emission.

Why Choose Us?

BioVenic offers meta-transcriptomic solutions for analyzing gene activity diversity, gene expression abundance, and differential gene expression in animal microbiome research projects. Based on your sample type and research purpose, our experienced team of experts will design an appropriate sequencing strategy and provide bioanalytical guidance. Our comprehensive bioinformatics analysis includes functional annotation, expression analysis, classification analysis, enrichment analysis, and differential analysis of transcriptional data to meet a wide range of scientific research needs. Please contact us to discuss your project goals and learn more about the details.

References

1. Abu-Ali, Galeb S., et al. "Metatranscriptome of human faecal microbial communities in a cohort of adult men." Nature microbiology 3.3 (2018): 356-366.
2. Shakya, Migun, Chien-Chi Lo, and Patrick SG Chain. "Advances and challenges in metatranscriptomic analysis." Frontiers in genetics 10 (2019): 904.