Marker-Gene Profiling
Definition
Targeted analysis of selected genetic marker regions to describe taxonomic composition under a stated method. Marker profiling examines selected taxonomic regions within a microbial community. Sampling, extraction, primers and reference libraries influence the taxa represented.
- Context
- Microbial evidence
For example, a selected marker assay can represent some microbial groups more readily than others because of primer and reference-library behaviour.
The observed profile is not a complete census of all organisms. A community difference does not automatically establish a unique person, place or elapsed time.
Related terms
- External Validation
- Assessment on independent material relevant to the intended application. Instruments, specimen types and operating conditions can differ. Success on a convenient dataset...
- Microbiota
- Microorganisms associated with a specified environment or host site. Marker profiling examines selected taxonomic regions within a microbial community. Sampling, extraction, primers...
- Shotgun Metagenomics
- Sequencing all DNA in a sample rather than just the 16S amplicon. Provides taxonomic resolution beyond 16S and can characterise viruses and...
- Thanatomicrobiome
- The thanatomicrobiome describes microbial communities associated with a body after death, with usage often emphasising internal tissues. The sampled site, analytical method...
Explained in
- Microbial and Microbiome Evidence in Forensic CasesTargeted analysis of selected taxonomic marker regions.