16S rRNA and Metatranscriptomic Sequencing of Neonates at risk for NEC

Loss of Paneth cell (PC) function is implicated in intestinal dysbiosis,mucosal inflammation and numerous intestinal disorders. Deletion of the zinc transporter ZnT2 (SLC30A2) in mice leads to loss of PC granule zinc accumulation, and defects in granule formation, secretion, and antimicrobial activity. Here we tested the hypothesis that defects in ZnT2 function are associated with intestinal dysbiosis and dysfunction in humans.Methods: DNA was collected from healthy preterm infants (26-37 wks) and SLC30A2 was sequenced. Structural analysis combined with a functional assay determined the impact of ZnT2 mutations on ZnT2 function. Stool was collected, and 16S rRNA sequencing and RNAseq of bacterial and human DNA was conducted.