Characterizing Microbial Communities Through Space and Time

Overview

Journal Curr Opin Biotechnol

Publisher Elsevier

Specialty Biotechnology

Date 2011 Dec 14

PMID 22154467

Citations 49

Authors

Antonio Gonzalez

Andrew King

Michael S Robeson 2nd

Sejin Song

Ashley Shade

Jessica L Metcalf

Rob Knight

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Until recently, the study of microbial diversity has mainly been limited to descriptive approaches, rather than predictive model-based analyses. The development of advanced analytical tools and decreasing cost of high-throughput multi-omics technologies has made the later approach more feasible. However, consensus is lacking as to which spatial and temporal scales best facilitate understanding of the role of microbial diversity in determining both public and environmental health. Here, we review the potential for combining these new technologies with both traditional and nascent spatio-temporal analysis methods. The fusion of proper spatio-temporal sampling, combined with modern multi-omics and computational tools, will provide insight into the tracking, development and manipulation of microbial communities.

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