RNA-stable isotope probing: from carbon flow within key microbiota to targeted transcriptomes.
Stable isotope probing of RNA has enthused researchers right from its first introduction in 2002. The concept of a labelling-based detection of process-targeted microbes independent of cellular replication or growth has allowed for a much more direct handle on functionally relevant microbiota than by labelling of other biomarkers. This has led to a widespread application of the technology, and breakthroughs in our understanding of carbon flow in natural microbiomes, autotrophic and heterotrophic physiologies, microbial food webs, host-microbe interactions and environmental biotechnology. Recent studies detecting labelled mRNA demonstrate that RNA-SIP is not limited to the analysis of rRNA, but is currently developing towards an approach for accessing targeted transcriptomes. In combination with next-generation sequencing and other methodological advances, RNA-SIP will continue to deliver invaluable insights into the functioning of microbial communities.
Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute for Groundwater Ecology, Neuherberg, Germany. Electronic address: tillmann.lueders@helmholtz-muenchen.de.
Tillmann
T
Lueders
Centre for Biological Sciences (CfBS), University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
Marc G
MG
Dumont
Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute for Groundwater Ecology, Neuherberg, Germany.
Lauren
L
Bradford
Centre for Marine Bioinnovation, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Mike
M
Manefield
D002247:Carbon Isotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D007553:Isotope Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D064307:Microbiota / Q000235:genetics*; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques; D015347:RNA Probes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012329:RNA, Bacterial / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D059467:Transcriptome / Q000235:genetics*
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D015347:RNA Probes; D012329:RNA, Bacterial