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A low-cost paper-based synthetic biology platform for analyzing gut microbiota and host biomarkers

Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: There is a need for large-scale, longitudinal studies to determine the mechanisms by which the gut microbiome and its interactions with the host affect human health and disease. Current methods for profiling the microbiome typically utilize next-generation sequencing applications that are expensive, slow, and complex. Here, we present a synthetic biology platform for affordable, on-demand, and simple analysis of microbiome samples using RNA toehold switch sensors in paper-based, cell-free reactions. We demonstrate species-specific detection of mRNAs from 10 different bacteria that affect human health and four clinically relevant host biomarkers. We develop a method to quantify mRNA using our toehold sensors and validate our platform on clinical stool samples by comparison to RT-qPCR. We further highlight the potential clinical utility of the platform by showing that it can be used to rapidly and inexpensively detect toxin mRNA in the diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infections.
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05864-4
Authors: Melissa K. Takahashi, Xiao Tan, Aaron J. Dy, Dana Braff, Reid T. Akana, Yoshikazu Furuta, Nina Donghia, Ashwin Ananthakrishnan, James J. Collins
Institutions: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Broad Institute, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston University, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido University International Institute for Zoonosis Control
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
Funders: National Science Foundation, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, National Institutes of Health, Hansjörg Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
OpenAlex ID: W2885265830
FWCI: 12.29
Cites: 60
Cited by: 238
Related to: 10