Technology-enabled integration of single-cell transcriptomics and microbiome data identifies RNA-targetable

Boyang Ma1, Haiyan Hu2, Yu Lin1

  • 1The First Affiliated Hospital, Qiqihar Medical University, Heilongjiang, 161000, China.

SLAS Technology
|November 15, 2025
PubMed

Insights

A new computational pipeline integrates host-microbiome and single-cell RNA data for colorectal adenoma. It identifies key microbial players and host targets for developing novel RNA-based therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Computational Biology
  • Microbiome Research
  • Single-cell RNA Sequencing
  • Colorectal Cancer Research

Background:

  • Integrating host-microbiome analysis with single-cell RNA sequencing for colorectal adenoma research remains challenging.
  • Existing methods for target identification in this context are fragmented, hindering therapeutic development.
  • Advancements in single-cell technologies and RNA therapeutics necessitate unified analytical frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a repeatable computational pipeline for combined host-microbiome and single-cell RNA analysis in colorectal adenoma.
  • To identify specific host-microbiome interactions and potential RNA-targetable candidates for therapeutic intervention.
  • To establish a framework for translating transcriptomic data into precision therapeutics for colorectal diseases.

Main Methods:

  • A novel computational pipeline was created, integrating MaAsLin2, QIIME2/DADA2, and Seurat/Harmony.
  • Three single-cell RNA sequencing datasets (426,425 cells) and three microbiome datasets (975 samples) were analyzed.
  • Strict statistical control (FDR < 0.05) was applied to identify significant host-microbiome interactions and therapeutic targets.

Main Results:

  • A significant decrease in gut microbiome diversity (Shannon index) was observed in adenoma-associated samples.
  • Enrichment of Fusobacterium nucleatum and depletion of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were noted.
  • Single-cell analysis revealed immune activation, goblet cell dysfunction (MUC2 decrease), and stem cell expansion (LGR5 increase).
  • 847 significant host-microbiome interactions were identified, with F. nucleatum strongly correlated with inflammation (NFKB1) and proliferation (LGR5).
  • 25 RNA-targetable candidates were prioritized, including MUC2 and FOXP3 for mRNA restoration, and NFKB1 and IL1B for suppression.

Conclusions:

  • The developed pipeline successfully integrates multi-omics data for comprehensive host-microbiome analysis in colorectal adenoma.
  • This approach facilitates systematic identification of RNA-targetable candidates, offering potential for novel therapeutic strategies.
  • The framework provides a repeatable model for translating complex biological interactions into actionable precision interventions for colorectal diseases.