Gut microbiota-based biomarkers development

3^rd International Conference on Genomics & Pharmacogenomics

September 21-23, 2015 San Antonio, USA

Matthieu Pichaud

Enterome, France

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Mol Genet Med

Abstract :

Hampered for a long time by the limitations of culture-based methods, the analysis of gut microbiota has entered the era of next-generation sequencing and big data. It now provides an extensive overlook of the various microbes inhabiting the gut. Yet, the process that leads to biomarker discovery remains a challenge from the first steps on. Disregarding these steps may compromise downstream analysis at great cost. Looking back at 10 years of international pioneer efforts from MetaHIT and HMP, many practical lessons can be drawn for designing studies, efficient sample collection, shipment and storage, DNA extraction and sequencing and finally data analysis. Following simple precepts, a signature that combines microbial markers to address a clinical question can be obtained. Even if such test may be desirable and scientifically valid, it may not be adapted for clinical use, as turn-around time and costs for NGS analyses remain high. Transfer on more suitable platforms such as qPCR, is feasible which paves the way for realistic gut microbiota diagnostic tests. Enterome�s development of a gut microbiota-based diagnostic of Non-Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis (NASH), a metabolic disorder, is an illustration of the different aspects of such development.

Biography :

Email: mpichaud@enterome.com