SHENZHEN, China, June 20, 2019 – MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (MGI) and the Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR) at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, today announced a strategic collaboration in microbiome research and the launch of the 10,000 Metagenomics Project as the first phase of this initiative. The project is led by Professor Lars Engstrand and Professor Mathias Uhlén, with support from Karolinska Institutet and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Using MGI’s DNBSEQ™ technology, the project will generate high-quality shotgun metagenomics data from one of the largest microbiome biobanks in the world.
The collaboration aims to deepen understanding of the microbiome’s role in normal physiology and pathophysiology, opening opportunities for developing novel therapies for gastroenterology, cancer, reproductive health, and neonatology.
Unlike the human genome, the microbiome can be influenced through interventions such as probiotics, bacteriotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Studies suggest that up to 20 percent of the small molecules in the bloodstream are produced by microbes, highlighting the microbiome as a potential frontier for major medical breakthroughs. The long-term objective of CTMR is to identify microbial and host factors that influence disease risk and to explore how changes in the gut microbiome affect human health.
Professor Lars Engstrand said, “We have implemented 16S sequencing in a high-throughput NGS format, but are now moving forward with shotgun metagenomics using MGI’s sequencing system and pipelines. After benchmarking MGI’s DNBSEQ™ technology against other platforms, we are impressed with its quality and suitability for our research.”
Mr. Duncan Yu, President of MGI, added, “MGI’s advanced technology supports high-throughput next-generation sequencing for life science research, medicine, and healthcare. Our collaboration with Karolinska Institutet’s CTMR will provide deeper insights into the microbiome’s contribution to human health and precision medicine. We anticipate our joint efforts will drive significant advancements in the field.”
About the Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR)
Established in January 2016, CTMR is a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. The centre integrates technical, biological, clinical, and epidemiological expertise to study complex microbiological communities in well-characterised human materials. CTMR aims to better understand the microbiome’s role in physiology and pathophysiology, supporting the development of novel therapies in gastroenterology, cancer, reproductive health, and neonatology.
Media Contacts:
Vivien Yang Swartz
(+46)-736 756 279
vivien.yang.swartz@genomics.cn
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Website: global-mgitech.com
