Metagenomics Sequencing

 

 

The study of metagenomes is based on genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples such as gut microbiomes and environmental niches. Different from 16S rDNA sequencing (listed under amplicon sequencing in our service page), genes or pathways of interest from diverse micro-organisms are identified in metagenomic studies. It expands and revolutionizes microbiology, as there is no longer any limitation of in vitro or in vivo cultivation which may cause biased representation in abundance of bacteria. Moreover, uncultivable bacteria or microbes originally screened out or masked can now be investigated. It opens up a new niche of research in extreme environments such as soil and marine habitats and facilitates the discovery of novel genes or pathways which may act as biocatalysts with unique salt, pH or temperature tolerance.

 

Besides analyses of taxonomic and functional diversity in microbial communities, the functional dynamics within the communities are potential targets of metagenomic studies. Our previous studies include the characterization of methanogenic and/or cellulose/lignin-degrading bacteria from various sources such as anaerobic digestors (AD), giant panda feces, degrading wood and cockroach gut, which opens up windows of opportunity to identify novel bacteria, genes and/or pathways that can be beneficial to waste management, recycling and biofuel production.