Quantitative, Strain-Specific Mapping of Bacterial Communities in Microbiomes
Project Description
A microbiome typically encompasses thousands of microbial species, many of which share substantial genetic and structural homology yet exhibit distinct metabolic profiles with profound implications for the host physiology. Resolving subtle differences between closely related bacterial strains while preserving spatial context within the microbiome remains a formidable technical challenge. Sequencing-based methods can detect single-nucleotide differences but lose spatial information, whereas microscopy-based techniques like 16S rRNA-targeted fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can retain spatial resolution but require significant genetic divergence among species. This project seeks to address these limitations by developing an enhanced FISH approach capable of distinguishing bacterial strains differing by only a few nucleotides in their 16S rRNA sequences, laying the technical foundation for dissecting microbe-host interactions at unprecedented resolution.
Supervisor
LIAO, Yi
Quota
2
Course type
UROP1100
Applicant's Roles
(1) The applicant is required to pass the following safety courses established by HSEO before commencing the UROP project: MC07 Chemical Safety I, MC03 Chemical Safety II, and MC06 Biological Safety.
(2) Research tasks include: handling bacterial samples and nucleic acids, preparing imaging samples, conducting fluorescence microscopy experiments, performing basic bioinformatic data analysis.
(3) The applicant will also be responsible for essential laboratory maintenance tasks, including autoclaving, preparing buffers, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
(2) Research tasks include: handling bacterial samples and nucleic acids, preparing imaging samples, conducting fluorescence microscopy experiments, performing basic bioinformatic data analysis.
(3) The applicant will also be responsible for essential laboratory maintenance tasks, including autoclaving, preparing buffers, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
Applicant's Learning Objectives
(1) Gain proficiency in routine laboratory techniques such as handling bacterial cultures and performing enzymatic reactions.
(2) Develop the ability to design, perform and troubleshoot quantitative fluorescence microscopy experiments.
(3) Develop basic coding skills for conducting bioinformatic analysis.
(2) Develop the ability to design, perform and troubleshoot quantitative fluorescence microscopy experiments.
(3) Develop basic coding skills for conducting bioinformatic analysis.
Complexity of the project
Moderate