Metagenomics
Genome-centric metagenomics is a field occupied with the retrieval of genomes from samples containing a mixture of microbes, such as soil, wastewater, or the gastrointestinal system. Typically, the overall aim is to study the structure and function of the microbes, often in the dynamic context of their natural environments or by their association with a host (microbiomics). Furthermore, genome-centric metagenomics or microbiomics not only provides a detailed blueprint of the metabolic potential (genes and metabolic pathways) but is also often a prerequisite for studying gene expression patterns (transcriptomics or proteomics).
The genomes are bioinformatically extracted from one or more de novo assembled metagenome(s) and a set of samples (dimensions) with varying compositions (e.g., different time points or treatments). Each dimension is used to bin contigs together into separate metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of varying quality. A more contiguous assembly supported by many sample dimensions will result in the retrieval of more high-quality MAGs than a fragmented metagenome with few sample dimensions. At DNASense, we are experts in the fields of long-read metagenome sequencing and analysis, which forms a solid foundation for obtaining contiguous metagenomes and high-quality MAGs.
For the retrieval of prokaryotic MAGs, we currently recommend using the current Oxford Nanopore long-read chemistry (R10.4.1). This greatly improves the retrieval of high-quality, contiguous MAGs and eliminates GC-, amplification-, and loading biases (accurate abundance estimates). We do not recommend using a short read-only approach (e.g., Illumina). However, for sequencing of eukaryotes or if targeting retrieval of eukaryotic MAGs, we recommend including short read data (50x) for polishing of the retrieved genomes (hybrid sequencing).
If you are considering doing metagenomics, we encourage you to contact DNASense already during the experimental planning and design, setting the foundation for the most optimal result outcome for your project. We offer access to both short-read Illumina (MiSeq, HiSeq, and NovaSeq) and the latest long-read (Oxford Nanopore) DNA sequencing platforms, allowing us to tailor sequencing and bioinformatic workflows according to your specific requirements.
The team behind DNASense has extensive experience within the fields of metagenomics, and our active involvement in state-of-the-art methods and sequencing platforms (read about it in Nature Methods) ensures that customers obtain valuable insight from our tailored bioinformatic analyses.
We have extracted DNA from all types of low- and high-biomass sample matrices. Our DNA extraction workflows can be customized (using both manual and automatic methods) to accommodate most sample types while minimizing DNA extraction biases in complex communities (see Albertsen et al.) and preserving yield and quality (purity and HMW DNA) to the widest possible extent. Our DNA extraction expertise guarantees the most optimal project outcome and is compatible with both short-read (Illumina) and long-read sequencing platforms (e.g., Oxford Nanopore sequencing).
Sample matrices (non-exhaustive list): Prokaryotes, invertebrates, fungi, salmon, wastewater, aquacultures, soil, oil spills, marine/freshwater samples, eDNA (environmental DNA), bioreactors, tree bark, mangrove and marine sediments, pig/chicken/rat/fish entrails/feces, mining/drill sites, cow rumen, seaweed, oysters, mouthwash, tooth swaps, skin swaps, microbial induced corrosion samples, lung tissue, colon cancer biopsies and liver biopsies.
Our standard package includes: Optional pre- and post-project meeting with a DNASense specialist, DNA extraction, library preparation, sequencing, pre- and post-sequencing quality control, de novo assembly, automatic genome binning, taxonomic profiling, gene annotation, access to raw data, result files and a detailed project report.
Add-on services (non-exhaustive list): Customized DNA extraction and purification, manual genome binning, Functional annotation (KO, GO and KEGG), functional enrichment analysis, manual curation of metabolic pathways, gene mining, custom annotation and data submission.
FAQ
How much sequencing data do I need for metagenome sequencing?
Depending on the question asked, we recommend a sequencing depth of 100x. If you are interested in studying a microorganism (5 Mbp genome) present at a 1 % abundance, you would need 50 Gbp data.
Is metagenomics suitable for assessing the abundance of very low-abundant organisms?
While it is possible and the less-biased approach, you would need a relative high sequencing depth. Instead, consider using an amplicon-based approach. It is more sensitive, and you would need less data.
How many samples do you need for genome binning?
If your metagenome is relatively enriched (2-10 microorganisms) we can usually bin genomes from a combination of GC content, coverage and using more advanced tSNE plots. For more diverse metagenomes, we need additional sample dimensions to separate the genome bins. This could reflect different sample timepoints or samples extracted using different methods.
How much DNA do I need for WGS sequencing?
For Illumina paired-end sequencing (2×150 bps) we recommend concentrations above 2 ng/µL (20 µL) but less might possible. For long-read sequencing, it depends heavily on the details. Typically, 100-2000 ng.
My DNA concentrations are very low. How does this affect the workflow?
For low input DNA samples, we always recommend including a DNA extraction negative to assess the impact of potential kit contaminants.
What level of taxonomic resolution can I expect from the classification?
For relatively complete prokaryotic genomes with little or no contamination, we use the Genome Taxonomy Database (GTDB), which potentially provides species-level resolution. Our standard service also includes rDNA extraction and classification against the Silva SSU database (genus level for both prokaryotes and eukaryotes). Custom databases can be included (add-on service).
Why does Nanopore metagenome DNA sequencing reduce composition biases?
Our standard library preparation protocol involves sequencing native DNA. There is no amplification or tagmentation involved.
Can I use Nanopore for assessing the microbial community composition?
Absolutely. We recommend Nanopore as there is minimal compositional biases associated with this sequencing platform.
Do you offer any guarantee with respect to Nanopore data yield?
Nanopore sequencing yield depends on many factors pertaining to the nature of the (native) DNA being sequenced. Therefore, we cannot offer any guarantee, but we regularly generate 20-30 Gbp on a single MinION run and 100+ Gbp on PromethION flow cells.
How do you minimize DNA extraction biases?
Unless agreed otherwise, we follow a thorough community-adopted bead-beating protocol to reduce the (potentially large) DNA extraction bias (see publication). This often results in extended DNA shearing but is still compatible with the generation of very contiguous prokaryotic assemblies from long-read sequencing platforms.
How long DNA fragments do I need for long-read sequencing?
It depends on the aim of your analysis. If you wish to produce closed genomes, your DNA read length distribution should be compatible with spanning the longest repeat element in your target genome. For bacteria, this is often the rRNA operon, i.e., reads should be able to span a length of 5000-7000 bp.
I have heard that Nanopore sequencing is error-prone?
The raw read accuracy of Nanopore sequencing is slightly lower than Illumina but we use state-of-the-art Q20+ chemistry which achieves comparable consensus accuracies and handles homopolymers found in prokaryotes (see Nature Methods).
4000 € pr. project* +
400 €/sample +
40 €/Gbp
5 weeks standard turnaround time
3 weeks fast-track fee
2000 €
Contact us about our Metagenomics service
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