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Updated: Jul 1, 2026
08:05
Guided Protocol for Fecal Microbial Characterization by 16S rRNA-Amplicon Sequencing
Published on: March 19, 2018
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Cell-Free Paper-Based Analysis of Gut Microbiota and Host Biomarkers
Melissa K Takahashi1, Xiao Tan2,3,4,5, Aaron J Dy2,5,6
1Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA, USA. melissa.takahashi@csun.edu.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|January 5, 2022
Summary
We developed RNA toehold switch sensors for rapid, affordable analysis of gut microbiome and host gene activity in fecal samples. This technology aids in understanding host-microbiome interactions in health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- The gut microbiome significantly influences host health and disease.
- Understanding these interactions often requires analyzing microbial and host gene expression from fecal samples.
- Current methods can be costly and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel biosensors for detecting microbial and host transcripts in fecal samples.
- To enable rapid and affordable analysis of the gut microbiome.
- To support research into host-microbiome interactions.
Main Methods:
- Design of RNA toehold switch sensors targeting specific microbial and host transcripts.
- Integration of sensors into paper-based, cell-free reaction systems.
- Application of the system for analyzing microbiome samples.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful design and implementation of RNA toehold switch sensors.
- Validated the capability of the paper-based system for transcript detection.
- Showcased the potential for affordable and rapid microbiome analysis.
Conclusions:
- RNA toehold switch sensors offer a promising approach for studying the gut microbiome.
- Paper-based, cell-free systems provide a scalable and accessible platform for diagnostics.
- This technology can advance research into the complex interplay between the host and its gut microbes.
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