Metagenomics_from_respiratory_samples_protocol_development

The aim of this study is to optimise methods for a) high-throughput sputum metagenomics and b) metagenomics from low biomass respiratory samples. Metagenomics from respiratory samples remains challenging due to the viscous nature of samples and the high amount of human DNA (>95%) in these samples. A major focus of our lab will be to overcome some of these barriers to make large scale projects on lower respiratory tract samples feasible. We will be trialling different sputum liquification, human depletion and DNA extraction methods.