Background:
The human microbiome consists of an estimated 100 trillion microbes (shortened from microorganisms) and regulates many processes foundational to health, like digestion and immune responses. Microbial fingerprinting refers to a set of techniques used to identify and differentiate between microbes based on their genetic characteristics. Through microbial fingerprinting, researchers have the ability to detect specific microbes in the gut that may be responsible for diseases, antibiotic resistance, and even mental health.
Fingerprinting Methods:
There are three common techniques used in microbial fingerprinting. DNA-based methods include the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing, and Metagenomics. PCR amplifies DNA sequences of microbes to identify their presence. Next, the highly conserved, specific RNA gene is targeted in order to distinguish different species. Slightly different to those methods, metagenomics sequences the genome of all microbes in a sample to analyze the function and diversity of microbial communities. The next methods are based on biochemistry. FAME analysis is short for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, and identifies microbes based on their unique patterns in the cell membrane. On the other hand, protein profiling uses mass spectrometry to analyze the protein composition of cells. Finally, Biolog Phenotype Microarray is a type of metabolic method that assesses the ability of microbes to use various substrates. These methods are not limited to the human gut, and can be used for various purposes like microbial ecology studies, pathogen identification, and environmental monitoring.
Genes in the Human Microbiome:
One of the largest analyses of the human microbiome was also the first to use DNA samples from the mouth and gut, revealing surprising findings. One of the most unexpected findings was that at least half the genes in the microbiome appear to be unique to each individual. While commonly found genes perform the basic functions necessary to a microbe’s survival, unique genes tend to carry out more specialized functions fit for evolutionary changes. These included metabolism of dietary components, drug metabolism, pathogen defense, detoxification, among many others. These unique genes highlight the complex relationship between humans and their microbiome, demonstrating the crucial role that microbes play in everyday life.
Microbial fingerprinting is a powerful tool that enhances our understanding of the intricate relationships between microbes and human health. Through various techniques and methods, researchers can now identify and differentiate different microbes—correlating them with various functions essential to life.
References
“Microbial Fingerprinting.” Home, hms.harvard.edu/news/microbial-fingerprinting. Accessed 22 June 2024.
“5. Microbial Fingerprinting Methods.” 5 Microbial Fingerprinting Methods, projects.itrcweb.org/emd-2/Content/5%20Microbial%20Fingerprinting.htm#:~:text=Microbial%20fingerprinting%20methods%20can%20provide,present%20in%20a%20particular%20sample.. Accessed 22 June 2024.
“Microbial Fingerprinting: Postmortem Microbiome and Forensics.” ASM.Org, asm.org/articles/2022/june/microbial-fingerprinting-postmortem-microbiome-and. Accessed 22 June 2024.
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