The 16S rRNA gene is an essential component of the ribosome in bacteria. It contains highly conserved sections that are found in all bacterial species, as well as variable regions that allow for species identification. Bulk sequencing of the 16S rRNA region from bacterial genomes in DNA samples can provide valuable insights into the composition of bacterial populations, such as in the gut microbiome from fecal samples.
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in long-term health and undergoes changes in bacterial species composition with age, influenced by factors like diet and immune function. Research shows correlations between gut microbiome composition and age-related conditions, suggesting potential for therapies like fecal microbiota transplantation to restore a youthful microbial balance. Understanding age-associated microbial changes through long-read 16S sequencing is key to uncovering novel insights.
Exploring the association between age and gut microbial composition in a diverse population from Singapore, this study utilized full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to reveal age-related alterations in the gut microbiome. While previous studies using short-read sequencing methods lacked resolution to detect specific bacterial changes, this study identified differentially abundant taxa and predicted functional pathways associated with age. These findings highlight the importance of precise taxonomic assignments for a comprehensive understanding of the gut microbiome and its implications for health.
