Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.3390/microorganisms12101998
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Multi-omics analysis unravels the impact of stool sample logistics on metabolites and microbial composition
Author Krause, J.L.; Engelmann, B.; Lallinger, D.J.D.; Rolle-Kampczyk, U.; von Bergen, M.; Chang, H.-D.
Source Titel Microorganisms
Year 2024
Department MOLTOX
Volume 12
Issue 10
Page From art. 1998
Language englisch
Topic T9 Healthy Planet
Data and Software links https://dx.doi.org/10.21228/M8H521
Supplements https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/10/1998/s1?version=1727730006
Keywords faecal samples; intestinal microbiota; storage conditions; untargeted metabolomics; short chain fatty acids; microbiota flow cytometry; 16S rRNA sequencing
Abstract Human health and the human microbiome are inevitably intertwined, increasing their relevance in clinical research. However, the collection, transportation and storage of faecal samples may introduce bias due to methodological differences, especially since postal shipping is a common practise in large-scale clinical cohort studies. Using four different Omics layer, we determined the structural (16S rRNA sequencing, cytometric microbiota profiling) and functional integrity (SCFAs, global metabolome) of the microbiota in relation to different easy-to-handle conditions. These conditions were storage at −20 °C, −20 °C as glycerol stock, 4 °C and room temperature with and without oxygen exposure for a maximum of one week. Storage time affected the microbiota on all Omics levels. However, the magnitude was donor-dependent, highlighting the need for purpose-optimized sample collection in clinical multi-donor studies. The effects of oxygen exposure were negligible for all analyses. At ambient temperature, SCFA and compositional profiles were stable for 24 h and 48 h, respectively, while at 4 °C, SCFA profiles were maintained for 48 h. The global metabolome was highly susceptible, already changing at 24 h in non-frozen conditions. Thus, faecal microbiota was best preserved on all levels when transported as a native sample frozen within 24 h, leading to the least biased outcomes in the analysis. We conclude that the immediate freezing of native stool samples for transportation to the lab is best suited for planned multi-Omics analyses that include metabolomics to extend standard sequencing approaches.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=29574
Krause, J.L., Engelmann, B., Lallinger, D.J.D., Rolle-Kampczyk, U., von Bergen, M., Chang, H.-D. (2024):
Multi-omics analysis unravels the impact of stool sample logistics on metabolites and microbial composition
Microorganisms 12 (10), art. 1998 10.3390/microorganisms12101998