Theme：
Metagenomics Intrigue: the Genetic Foundation of Microbiomes
Introduction：
Metagenomics and its derivative, the microbiome, has become a core of new age microbial ecology. Metagenomics has advanced rapidly and taken many directions - those determined by the various methods employed, the complexity of the different communities, the resources available and of course the compelling questions. My lab has focused recently on ecofunctional genes, i.e. those genes that directly control important ecological function. I will illustrate with two examples: one of soil and its rhizosphere microbiome of biofuel crops, and the other of understanding the ecology of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment. I will show how new computational tools, especially gene–targeted assembly using Xander, helps quantify and categorize N cycle and other genes, and how we can assimilate metagenomic, metatranscriptomic and metaproteomic data from field soil to gain some insight into rhizosphere activities. For antibiotic resistance we used highly parallel qPCR, with over 300 primer pairs for antibiotic resistances and mobile genetic elements, to assess quantity, type and fate of natural and human selected resistomes. These are just two examples of metagenomics and microbiome science, a field with big opportunities since there are many habitats, directions and needs, especially for creative ways to interrogate data to uncover new knowledge. It is a great opportunity area for students.
Lecturer：
James M. Tiedje
Academician of the National Academy of Sciences, United States, Distinguished Professor of Michigan State University, Director of the Center for Microbial Ecology of Michigan State University, CAS Einstein Professorship;
Time：
Tuesday, October 24, 2018 09:00-11:00
Venue：
Lecture hall 121, Mingjing Building
