dc.description.abstract
This work presents a comprehensive review of key molecular techniques applied to the study
of microbial communities, particularly emphasizing experimental procedures, technical
particularities, specific advantages, and their suitability to different microbial contexts.
Metagenomics, based on total DNA analysis, enables the identification of microorganisms
present and characterizes the overall functional potential of complex or unknown communities,
providing high taxonomic and functional resolution. Metabarcoding, also DNA-based, employs
specific genetic markers (e.g., the 16S rRNA gene), allowing rapid and precise taxonomic
identification, ideal for highly diverse communities. Metatranscriptomics, centered on RNA
analysis, reveals actively expressed genes, providing valuable dynamic and functional
information for environmental or intestinal microbiome studies. Metaproteomics examines
proteins directly, informing about active metabolic functions, particularly effective when prior
genomic or metagenomic data is available. Metabolomics analyzes final microbial metabolites,
providing detailed physiological insight, especially suited to well-defined communities with
existing references. RT-qPCR specifically quantifies the expression of targeted genes with
high sensitivity, ideal for monitoring specific genes in targeted studies. Lastly, single-cell
genomics enables investigation of rare, uncultivable, or poorly understood microorganisms,
facilitating detailed genetic and functional characterization. This review emphasizes the
importance of selecting appropriate methodologies based on the specific characteristics of
each microbial community, highlighting the integration of these omics techniques as the
optimal strategy for a deep understanding of microbiomes
