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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
11:22
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Following Ariadne's thread through microbiome-based biomarker discovery in CRC
Jason Xing Kang1, Sunny Hei Wong2
1Centre for Microbiome Medicine, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore.
Cell Host & Microbe
|July 8, 2026
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a universal microbial signature across diverse populations. However, microbial biomarkers detected in stool samples do not always accurately reflect the tumor
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Cancer genomics
- Molecular epidemiology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) exhibits a distinct microbial fingerprint.
- Understanding the generalizability of this fingerprint across diverse populations and methodologies is crucial for biomarker development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the universality of the CRC microbial signal across different age groups, geographical locations, and DNA sequencing platforms.
- To assess the reliability of stool-based microbial biomarkers in representing the tumor microbiome.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of large-scale stool and tumor microbiome data.
- Comparative analysis across various demographic factors and sequencing technologies.
Main Results:
- Identification of a universal microbial signal associated with colorectal cancer.
- Demonstration of limitations in stool-based biomarkers for accurately capturing the tumor microbiome composition.
Conclusions:
- A conserved microbial signature exists in colorectal cancer, irrespective of age, geography, or sequencing platform.
- Stool microbiome analysis alone may not be sufficient for comprehensive colorectal cancer detection or characterization due to discrepancies with tumor microbiome profiles.
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