Research

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Title :

A Novel, Rapid, High-Throughput Characterization of Microbiome Dynamics through Cytomics and Machine Learning

Area of research :

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Abhishek Suresh Dhoble, Indian Institute Of Technology (IITBHU), Uttar Pradesh

Timeline Start Year :

2022

Timeline End Year :

2024

Contact info :

Equipments :

Details

Executive Summary :

Overall aim of this research is to advance one of the emerging branches of omics named “Cytomics”. Most of the contemporary microbiome characterization techniques involve the analysis of marker genes like the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. However, this sequencing-based approach might be time consuming making their practical applications problematic. Our broader focus will be on objectively quantifying single-cell level differences (cytomes) resulting from controlled perturbations in the microbiome. We propose to use complex microbial communities in cow-dung as well as commercially available gut microbiome whole cell mix as a model, self-contained microbiome. Cytometric fingerprints will be developed for high throughput classification of microbiomes by measuring at least 6 parameters (including 2 scatter parameters). Furthermore, we aim to develop an automated pipeline to partition cytomics data. We also intend to carry out quantitative microbiome profiling with the combination of cytomics and molecular methods to evaluate the correspondence as well as alliance between both the cell-based technique i.e., flow cytometry and molecular technique like q-PCR. Apart from unraveling the important scientific aspects, this cytometric fingerprinting through cytomics approach might evolve to be a reliable, fast method for holistic monitoring and diagnostics.

Total Budget (INR):

28,61,436

Organizations involved