Storage conditions of intestinal microbiota matter in metagenomic analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The structure and function of human gut microbiota is currently inferred from metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses. Recovery of intact DNA and RNA is therefore a critical step in these studies. Here, we evaluated how different storage conditions of fecal samples affect the quality of extracted nucleic acids and the stability of their microbial communities.

Results

We assessed the quality of genomic DNA and total RNA by microcapillary electrophoresis and analyzed the bacterial community structure by pyrosequencing the 16S rRNA gene. DNA and RNA started to fragment when samples were kept at room temperature for more than 24 h. The use of RNAse inhibitors diminished RNA degradation but this protection was not consistent among individuals. DNA and RNA degradati

SUBMITTER: Cardona S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3489833 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature