Metagenomic Thermometer

Masaomi Kurokawa, Koichi Higashi, Keisuke Yoshida, Tomohiko Sato, Shigenori Maruyama, Hiroshi Mori, and Ken Kurokawa

DNA Research (2023) 30, dsad024 DOI:10.1093/dnares/dsad024

Press release (In Japanese only)

Researchers at National Institute of Genetics have developed a groundbreaking tool, the “Metagenomic Thermometer,” which predicts environmental temperatures by analyzing the DNA of microorganisms in any given habitat. This innovative approach offers new insights into how environmental conditions influence life at a microbial level and could have wide-reaching implications in environmental science, biotechnology, and human health.

In a trailblazing study published in DNA Research, a team led by Professor Ken Kurokawa has unveiled the “Metagenomic Thermometer.” This tool marks a significant leap in environmental microbiology, enabling scientists to gauge the temperature of an environment by studying the genetic makeup of its microbial inhabitants.

The “Metagenomic Thermometer” operates on a groundbreaking principle: Professor Kurokawa’s team have extended the concept of estimating the optimal growth temperature (OGT) of a microorganism from the amino acid frequency of its genetic information, and developed a method of estimating the ambient temperature from the amino acid frequency in the collective genetic information of the microbial community present.

This revolutionary method was rigorously tested across diverse ecosystems, including hot springs, soil samples, and even the human gut. Remarkably, when applied to human gut metagenomic samples, the thermometer could accurately estimate human body temperature, underscoring the profound interplay between our internal environment and the microbial world.

Professor Kurokawa’s team believes that this tool doesn’t just measure temperature — it offers a new lens to understand how temperature drives the assembly of microbial communities. By focusing on amino acid composition rather than just microbial species, the Metagenomic Thermometer provides a more nuanced view of how life adapts to its environment.

The implications of this research are vast. From monitoring climate change impacts on microbial biodiversity to optimizing conditions for biotechnological applications, and even understanding human health in relation to our microbiome, the Metagenomic Thermometer stands as a testament to the power of innovative scientific inquiry.

“This research not only presents a novel tool but also opens up new avenues for understanding the intricate relationship between life and the environment,” said Professor Kurokawa. “We are excited about the potential applications of the Metagenomic Thermometer in various fields, including ecology, medicine, and biotechnology.”

• Variation in Gut Microbiome with Body Temperature:
  The research proposes that body temperature significantly influences the gut microbiome composition. This revelation provides a deeper understanding of how bodily changes can impact gut health.
• Predicting Deep Body Temperature:
  Utilizing metagenomic analysis, the team has developed a ‘Metagenomic Thermometer’, which potentially allows for the estimation of human deep body temperature based on gut microbiota. This innovative approach offers a non-invasive method to gauge internal body temperature, a crucial health parameter.
• Personalizing Medical Treatments:
  The findings suggest exciting possibilities in tailoring treatments such as FMT and LBPs based on individual body temperatures. This could lead to more effective and personalized therapies for patients.
• Probiotics Tailored to Body Temperature:
  The research opens avenues for developing probiotics like yogurt and lactobacillus beverages specifically designed for individuals with varying body temperatures, enhancing their effectiveness.
• Future Research Directions:
  The team anticipates further exploration into how aging and diseases that lower body temperature affect gut microbiome composition. Additionally, the study’s methodologies could enhance predictions about bacterial community changes due to global warming, potentially influencing CO2 emission patterns.

For more information about this research, contact Office for Research Development.

– The study, “Metagenomic Thermometer,” was published in DNA Research.
– Interviews with the research team can be arranged upon request.
– High-resolution images and graphics explaining the Metagenomic Thermometer are available.

Contact:
Office for Research Development
National Institute of Genetics

National Institute of Genetics is a world-leading institution in genetics, genomics and bioinformatics. Our commitment to innovation and excellence places us at the forefront of global scientific endeavors.

• VITCOMIC2 and LEA are the basis of this research.
• “Metagenomic Thermometer” is here.