Pre-Clinical Microbiome Experiments

Introduction to Pre-Clinical Microbiome Experiments

The complexity and dynamic nature of the human gut microbiome makes it both challenging and expensive to establish mechanistic links between the microbiome and disease, and also to link interventions to microbiome modulations with clinical benefits.However, animal models offer highly controlled in-vivo settings for specifically assessing how a product affects and changes the microbiome. While murine models with germ-free and gnotobiotic options have become the most commonly used animal model, mini-pigs and other animal models also allow for studying the microbiome in a controlled experimental setup. These pre-clinical models can help to establish or confirm the mechanistic hypothesis of host-microbiota interactions, providing valuable insights prior to moving into human clinical studies.

Pre-Clinical Microbiome Experiment Applications

• Animal model experiments for drug discovery and development
• Animal model experiments for biomarker discovery
• Animal model experiments to assess microbiome modulations by drug or nutritional interventions
• Animal model experiments for linking microbiome taxonomy and function to clinical effects
• Germ-free animal experiments for establishing or confirming mechanistic hypothesis of host-microbiota interactions

Our Experience

At Clinical Microbiomics we know that reproducibility of pre-clinical animal model research is crucial for downstream clinical study success.

There can be many sources of variation in animal model research, ranging from animal strain selection and microbial variation in the same strain, to small changes in experimental design and protocol that can dramatically affect research findings.

We have vast experience with animal models, performing microbiome focused animal studies and guiding clients in setting up an optimum study.
With so many factors that can affect results, our pre-clinical microbiome experiments experience and expert staff are key for ensuring confidence in reliable and reproducible data.

Pre-Clinical Microbiome Experiments Solutions and Services

Sample Preparation - We offer DNA extraction from microbiome samples from pre-clinical experiments, performed under highly controlled and traceable conditions in our advanced, Copenhagen-based, ISO17025 certified laboratory.

Sequencing - We offer Illumina-based 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing of microbiome samples from pre-clinical experiments.

16S rDNA amplicon sequencing provides insights into the taxonomical composition of the microbiome (genus/species resolution).

Shotgun metagenomics provides detailed characterization with the highest taxonomical (species/strain) and functional resolution (genes) possible.

Data Analysis - We provide comprehensive and state-of-the-art analysis and microbiome bioinformatics solutions. These enable our clients and collaborators to accurately and cost effectively evaluate the effect of a product or a medical treatment and investigate the interplay between clinical parameters and microbiome compositions and functions.