MAGIC

Gut virome, referred to as all viral components (mostly bacteriophages infecting bacteria) in the gut, are implicated in human health and diseases. However, in existing databases, genomic information of early-life specific virome is overwhelmed by adult samples, and profiling of infant gut virome based on these databases may not be complete. Moreover, the poor representativeness of Asian samples in these databases further hinders accurate profiling of gut virome for Asian children. In this sub-study, we aimed to generate an early-life gut virome database that will enable complete and accurate profiling of infant/child gut virome.

We have now completed assembling the first Metagenome-Assembled Genome Inventory for Children (MAGIC). It encompasses a vast collection of metagenomes, including both bulk and viral-like particle (VLP)-enriched samples, ranging from 0 to 7 years old.

MAGIC contains a significant number of novel prokaryotic and viral genomes, greatly enhancing early-life microbiome profiling. Notably, the database shows the most substantial improvement in reads mapping for African populations.

Within this extensive dataset, we identified 54 keystone species, which formed guilds that exhibited fluctuations in abundance over time. Interestingly, their abundances were found to be reduced in preterm infants and associated with childhood atopic dermatitis and allergies.

The MAGIC database provides invaluable genomic information, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of early-life microbiome dynamics, identification of keystone species, and detailed study of target species at the strain level.

This groundbreaking initiative opens up new avenues to unravel the underlying mechanisms and translate these findings into clinical applications.

This study has been completed. Go to publication.