A biological treasure metagenome: pave a way for big science

Abstract

The trend of recent researches, in which synthetic biology and white technology through system approaches based on "Omics technology" are recognized as the ground of biotechnology, indicates the coming of the 'metagenome era' that accesses the genomes of all microbes aiming at the understanding and industrial application of the whole microbial resources. The remarkable advance of technologies for digging out and analyzing metagenome is enabling not only practical applications of metagenome but also system approaches on a mixed-genome level based on accumulated information. In this situation, the present review is purposed to introduce the trends and methods of research on metagenome and to examine big science led by related resources in the future.

The oral microbiome in health and disease and the potential impact on personalized dental medicine

“…Because the microbiome is the biomarker of disease activity, further research and advancements in microbiomics and metagenomics are essential to understanding the microbiology and etiology of oral diseases. Genomes collected through metagenomic techniques will not only be used for the analysis of microorganisms, but also in the engineering of therapeutic agents needed to manipulate the microbiome according to personal needs (Park and Kim, 2008). Understanding changes in the oral microbiome at the early stages of chronic oral diseases would allow clinicians to diagnose and treat an unhealthy oral cavity before the appearance of any dental lesions or periodontal pockets (Zaura et al , 2009).…”