METAGENOME
SEQUENCING - SCI & TECH
News:
Metagenome sequencing is
transforming pathogen surveillance
What's
in the news?
● Recently,
scientists from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control conducted a study
utilizing metagenomic sequencing for pathogen surveillance.
Metagenome
Sequencing:
● Metagenomics
is the study of genetic material
recovered directly from environmental or clinical samples by a method called
sequencing.
● The
broad field may also be referred to as environmental
genomics, ecogenomics, community genomics or microbiomics.
● It
refers to the application of sequencing techniques to analyse the totality of the genomic material (DNA or RNA) present in a
sample.
● Metagenomics
uses gene sequencing to discover proteins in samples from environments across
Earth, microbes living in the soil, in extreme environments like hydrothermal
vents, deep in the oceans and in our guts and on the skin.
Applications
of Metagenome Sequencing:
1.
Microbiome Research:
● Understanding
the composition and functional roles of microbial communities in various
environments, such as the human gut, soil, oceans, and plants.
● This
knowledge has implications for health, agriculture, and ecology.
2.
Biotechnology:
● Identifying
novel enzymes, pathways, and metabolic functions from environmental samples,
which can be used for industrial processes, such as bioremediation, biofuel
production, and the synthesis of valuable chemicals.
3.
Disease Diagnosis:
● Investigating
the role of microbial communities in human health and disease. Metagenomic
analysis can help identify potential pathogens, study the human microbiome, and
understand the impact of microbial dysbiosis on various health conditions.
4.
Environmental Monitoring:
● Assessing
the impact of pollution, climate change, and other environmental factors on
microbial ecosystems.
● Metagenomics
can provide insights into ecosystem health and aid in conservation efforts.
5.
Pharmaceutical Discovery:
● Exploring
natural products and bioactive compounds produced by diverse microorganisms in
the environment, which may have potential applications in drug development.
6.
Evolutionary Studies:
● Examining
the evolutionary relationships between microorganisms and tracing the evolution
of specific genes or functions within microbial communities.
7.
Agriculture and Food Safety:
● Analysing
the microbiota of crops, livestock, and food products to improve agricultural
practices, enhance crop yield, and ensure food safety.
8.
Bioprospecting:
● Identifying
novel species and genetic elements with unique properties that can be used for
various purposes, including biotechnology, medicine, and industrial processes.