Practical considerations for large-scale gut microbiome studies.

ABSTRACT: First insights on the human gut microbiome have been gained from medium-sized, cross-sectional studies. However, given the modest portion of explained variance of currently identified covariates and the small effect size of gut microbiota modulation strategies, upscaling seems essential for further discovery and characterisation of the multiple influencing factors and their relative contribution. In order to guide future research projects and standardisation efforts, we here review currently applied collection and preservation methods for gut microbiome research. We discuss aspects such as sample quality, applicable omics techniques, user experience and time and cost efficiency. In addition, we evaluate the protocols of a large-scale microbiome cohort initiative, the Flemish Gut Flora Proj

SUBMITTER: Vandeputte D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7207147 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature