MGI: Pioneering Microbiome Research with the Million Microbiome of Humans Project

MGI Tech Co. Ltd. (MGI), a global leader in life science technology, is making significant strides in the field of microbiome research. The company is at the forefront of the Million Microbiome of Humans Project (MMHP), a collaborative effort involving 21 institutes across over 10 nations throughout Europe. The project, launched in 2019, aims to sequence and analyze microbial DNA from a million human samples to construct a comprehensive microbiome map of the human body. This ambitious endeavor is set to create the world's largest human microbiome database, leveraging MGI's proprietary DNBSEQ™ technology.

The Importance of Microbiome in Human Health

The human microbiome plays a crucial role in our health and wellbeing. "Countless studies have highlighted the importance of the microbiome in human health and disease. Yet, our knowledge of the composition of the microbiome in different parts of the body across countries, ages, sexes, and in relation to human health and disease remains limited," said Duncan Yu, President of MGI. The MMHP aims to fill this knowledge gap, pushing forward microbial metagenomic research and empowering researchers within the microbiology community with access to MGI's innovative sequencing technology.

The Rise of Microbial Metagenomic Sequencing

Since the first description of the human microbiome was published in 2010, the field of human microbiome has rapidly expanded. Advances in genome sequencing have enabled researchers to better characterize the composition of the microbiome through identification of unculturable microbes. Metagenomics, coupled with high-throughput sequencing technologies, have revolutionized microbial ecology. Today, metagenomic sequencing has become both a powerful and popular tool for identifying and classifying complex microbial communities.

MGI's Role in Advancing Microbial Metagenomic Sequencing

MGI's innovative lab systems play a pivotal role in the MMHP Consortium, guaranteeing high-throughput processes, extreme precision, and high-quality data output. The dedicated, one-stop workflow begins with sample transfer on MGISTP-7000* high-throughput automated sample transfer processing system. It then goes through nucleic acid extraction and library preparation on MGISP-960 high-throughput automated sample preparation system. Lastly, DNBSEQ-T7* ultra-high throughput sequencer and DNBSEQ-G400* versatile benchtop sequencer enables an efficient, productive, and streamlined sequencing experience.

The Future of Microbiomics and Precision Medicine

"Microbiomics will be part of precision medicine in the future, and data from the microbiome biobank that will result from MMHP will be leveraged for therapeutic R&D," said Professor Stanislav Dusko Ehrlich of University College London, UK. With 21 public and private institutions and 10+ countries currently involved in MMHP, the project is actively seeking more research groups to take part in this landmark international microbiological research partnership.

Joining Forces for the Future of Microbiome Research

As MMHP enters its second phase, MGI continues to play a crucial role in providing the program with state-of-the-art research platforms and technologies. The project now aims to sequence and analyze a final total of one million samples, welcoming further exchange and participation from relevant organizations to jointly promote research and applications of cutting-edge translational medicine in the field of microbiome.

Among the institutions involved in the MMHP are the Karolinska Institute of Sweden, Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases in China, University of Copenhagen in Denmark, Technical University of Denmark, MetaGenoPolis at the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) in France, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center, and MGI Tech Co., Ltd..