Decoding the microbiome for the development of translational applications: Overview, challenges and pitfalls

ABSTRACT

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of ‘translational’ microbiome research in addressing real-world challengespertaining to human health, nutrition and disease. Additionally, outcomes of microbiome research have also positivelyimpacted various aspects pertaining to agricultural productivity, fuel or energy requirements, and stability/preservation ofvarious ecological habitats. Microbiome data is multi-dimensional with various types of data comprising nucleic andprotein sequences, metabolites as well as various metadata related to host and or environment. This poses a major challengefor computational analysis and interpretation of data to reach meaningful, reproducible (and replicable) biological conclusions. In this review, we first describe various aspects of microbiomes that make them an attractive tool/target fordeveloping various translational applications. The challenge of deciphering signatures from an information-rich resourcelike the microbiome is also discussed. Subsequently, we present three case-studies that exemplify the potential of microbiome-based solutions in solving real-world problems. The final part of the review attempts to familiarize readers with theimportance of a robust study design and the diligence required during every stage of analysis for achieving solutions withpotential translational value.