Using Metatranscriptomics Based Microbial Functional Pathways in Oral Microbiome to Decipher Human Health

RNA is dynamic and essential to biological functions. Metatransrciptome captures gene expression (RNAs) of all active microbes in an environment. We care not just 'who is there', but also 'what they are doing'. By sequencing the metatranscriptome, we can decipher human-microbiome interactions for the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases.

This presentation will cover how an at-home non-invasive saliva based test leverages metatranscriptomic profiling for health assessment. Microbial functional pathways in the oral cavity are quantified as eight scores from saliva metatranscriptome. These scores are shown to be significantly worse in individuals with periodontal disease (gingivitis), acid reflux, and nicotine addiction, compared with controls.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Explain metatranscriptome is effective to measure both microbes and their active functions.

2. Discuss oral microbial functional pathways using saliva metatranscriptome data.

3. Demonstrate that the pathway scores are significantly worse in individuals with gingivitis and other conditions.