[16S rRNA gene in community structure analysis and the optimized amplification--a review]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Bioinformatics

Context:

• 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a crucial molecule for microbial community analysis.
• Understanding 16S rRNA gene characteristics is vital for accurate phylogenetic and taxonomic studies.
• Standardization of methods is needed for reliable community profiling.

Purpose:

• To provide a comprehensive reference for researchers studying microbial communities using 16S rRNA as the target molecule.
• To consolidate information on the structure, function, and gene organization of 16S rRNA.
• To highlight common artifacts in PCR amplification of 16S rRNA genes and offer solutions.

Summary:

• This review covers the fundamental aspects of 16S rRNA, including its cellular function, gene organization, and the distribution of variable and conserved regions.
• It details the copy numbers of the 16S rRNA gene and its secondary structure.
• The review also addresses artifacts encountered during PCR amplification and provides strategies to mitigate them for improved data quality.

Impact:

• Enhances the reliability and accuracy of microbial community analysis through better understanding of 16S rRNA.
• Provides researchers with practical guidance to avoid common pitfalls in 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
• Facilitates more robust and reproducible microbial ecology studies.