Webinars
Leveraging metagenomics with qPCR-based assays to better understand the canine gut microbiome
In this webinar Jan Sucholdolski, DVM, Ph.D., of Texas A&M University, and Jean Macklaim, Ph.D., of Diversigen, will describe the strengths and limitations of two approaches, untargeted discovery-based approach of shotgun metagenomic sequencing with a targeted qPCR-based assay for the canine gut microbiome, called the dysbiosis index, to elucidate underlying host-microbe interactions.
Date: November 28, 2023 at 11:00 EST
A multi-omic perspective of human gut microbiome responses to diet
Hosted by DNA Genotek
Dietary changes can impact the gut microbiome but are often evaluated through DNA analysis alone. Using longitudinal sampling and effective simultaneous collection and preservation of stool DNA & RNA, combined with multi-omic analysis, we explored the impact of intermittent fasting and infant age on the gut microbiome. By pairing metatranscriptomics with metagenomics to assess functional and taxonomic composition, we demonstrated rapid changes in microbial gene expression in response to alterations in host-microbiome interactions and environment.
Speakers:
Brice Le Francois, Ph.D., Senior R&D Manager, DNA Genotek
Shaimaa Ahmed, Ph.D., Product Manager, Diversigen
Date: November 30, 2023 at 11:00 EST
Metatranscriptomics: Challenges and opportunities
Hosted by Diversigen
Metatranscriptomic profiling enables the study of gene expression of complex microbial communities, providing a complete picture of a sample’s microbial functions. Metatranscriptomics can provide invaluable insights into human health, disease, and intervention; however, the technical complexity of metatranscriptomic profiling requires careful planning, standardized methodologies, and analysis.
Watch this webinar with three leading experts in the field, Brice Le François, Ph.D. from DNA Genotek; Scott Kuersten, Ph.D. from Illumina; and Emily Hollister, Ph.D. from Diversigen; share their insights and key considerations on sample collection and processing, rRNA depletion, and bioinformatic analysis.
Progress of Omics in Microbiome Studies
The whole is greater than the sum of the parts” (Aristotle). This is the basis behind “multi-omics,” defined as the approach where insights from two or more “omics” data sets (e.g., genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, etc.) are combined during analysis to derive biological correlation or association. With recent technological advances accelerating our ability to produce data for each separate “omic,” many researchers have found themselves generating more questions than answers. Fortunately, by adopting a multi-omics approach these researchers are given the opportunity to search out answers in areas previously closed-off to them. The possibilities for novel discoveries and more translatable results grow exponentially when taking a multi-omics approach, making this a exciting time in human health and disease.
Crohn’s and Colitis:
Microbiome biomarkers, diet and the environment
During the live panel, experts from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Stanford University, and Seres Therapeutics discussed challenges of IBD from patient diagnosis to treatment, along with multi-omic approaches for better understanding of IBD and development of novel therapeutics.
An introduction to viral metagenomics:
Opportunities, challenges and applications
From virus identification and discovery to identifying disease risk factors, viruses represent a largely untapped resource that may lead to novel diagnostics and therapeutics through biomarker discovery, rapid sequence identification of pathogens, and phage therapy. During the webinar, Diversigen’s metagenomic experts Emily Hollister, Ph.D. and Tasha Santiago Rodriguez, Ph.D. presented an introduction to viral metagenomics and addressed both applications and challenges of this evolving field.
Functional microbiome insights with systematic CAZyme analysis
One of the major challenges in microbiome analysis and biomarker discovery is linking genomic data with functional outcomes. Taxonomic profiles can be quite useful for diagnostic purposes but are often challenging to interpret from a clinical or biological perspective. One alternative is to study changes in carbohydrate degradation capabilities, which can be involved in a wide range of bacterial activities including digesting dietary fiber or polysaccharides in mucus. This talk will demonstrate the use of carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) profiling in shotgun metagenomic data to gain functional insights in a microbiome study and will describe best practices for implementing such analysis in a rigorous and reproducible setting.
Overcoming Challenges in Skin Microbiome Research
from Sampling to Analysis
Our microbiome processing and sequencing experts, Daryl Gohl, Ph.D. and Brice LeFrancois, Ph.D., presented an overview of DNA Genotek’s novel OMNIgene®•SKIN sampling device for microbial DNA and how to overcome the most common challenges in skin microbiome sampling and data analysis.
Behind the Data with Dan Knights, Ph.D. and Joe Petrosino, Ph.D.
Live Discussion and Q&A
Dr. Dan Knights and Dr. Joe Petrosino, both leading pioneers in the microbiome industry, discussed best practices for microbiome analysis, including longitudinal studies with shotgun metagenomics and real-use cases for WGS and 16S. Watch this webinar and learn from their combined experience how to ensure insightful data outcomes from early research pilots to clinical practice and precision medicine.
Viral Metagenomics and the Use of Standards
From Biology to Clinical Applications
The interactions between viruses and the human microbiome are being revealed with the advent of metagenomics. New sequencing technologies and analysis tools are expanding the knowledge and applications of viral communities in the microbiome. Translating into clinical and other application, viral standards and controls are becoming increasingly important as researchers look to make meaningful cross-study comparisons, assess biases, and plan viral metagenomic pipelines.
De-Risking Microbiome Research and Clinical Discoveries
Robust At-Home Methods for Sample Collection, Storage, and Transport
Variables in microbiome experiments can cause unwanted variations in downstream analysis and results. DNA Genotek and Diversigen have come together to present ways to generate more stable and reproducible data using at-home methods for sample collection. Sample collection, storage, and transport are high risk steps that can introduce biases and inaccuracies; learn to design your study with minimal sample risk.
Viral Metagenomics Identifying the Needles in the Haystack
& Unlocking Opportunities for Discovery
Microbiome researchers continue to face hurdles at each stage of their workflow and, although, the microbiome continus to provide valuable insights into human health and disease, there are many questions left to answer. Learn about current gaps in research workflows and future trends in microbiome research while learn about the challenges and solutions in the development and application of microbiome standards.
Leveraging Diversigen's Bioinformatics Platforms
for CAZyme Characterization and Discovery
Carbohydrate Active Enzymes (CAZymes), are involved critical carbohydrate metabolism activities like anabolism and catabolisms. CAZymes play a critical roles in human digestion and microbiome regulation – for example, dysregulation of CAZymes can cause dysbiosis. Carbohydrate metabolism also affects agriculture and biofuel production. As the role of CAZymes continues to be understood Diversigen has created a new platform to enhance CAZyme discovery and help expand upon previous methods of characterization that faced limitations and challenges.
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