Turning microbiome signatures into actionable quantitative data

Challenges and complexities in the study of the gut microbiota

Unique to each individual, the gut microbiota is now at the heart of issues relating to health, nutrition and therapeutic developments. Research into it is essential to better understand its role, in particular in certain infectious or inflammatory diseases.
However, a large proportion of microbiota analyses still rely on data derived from sequencing and quantitative PCR, which are often difficult to compare or to utilise reliably over time. The ability to define a reliable microbiota signature requires tools capable of producing usable quantitative data, including from complex matrices such as faeces or wastewater.

The IAGE solution: supporting those involved in microbiome research

At IAGE, we support researchers, healthcare professionals and biotechnology companies in the study and analysis of the gut microbiota, drawing on our recognised expertise in digital PCR (dPCR) and our standardised analytical methods, developed in particular through our experience working with complex matrices such as faeces, wastewater and other environmental samples. Our mastery of dPCR enables more reliable and sensitive absolute quantification, with fewer analytical biases than qPCR, particularly in these complex matrices with high concentrations of inhibitors.
Thanks to this innovative approach, it is now possible to precisely and specifically quantify target microorganisms, monitor microbiological dynamics in response to factors such as stress or treatments, and transform microbiota signatures into genuine decision-making tools.
Our teams are involved from the definition of targeted microbiota signatures through to the establishment of robust quantitative panels tailored to the needs of R&D, preclinical, clinical or industrial projects.
With over 1,200 probes developed, a standardised platform and methods adapted to inhibitor-rich environments, IAGE is able to define microbial signatures relevant to microbiological monitoring, biomarker research or the development of predictive models.
Our long-standing expertise in wastewater analysis, backed by COFRAC accreditation for the detection of viral pathogens, is a key asset in developing innovative approaches to the monitoring and analysis of environmental microbiota.

The benefits of the IAGE solution for microbiome research

- Absolute and specific quantification of viable microorganisms.
- Access to modelling: Detailed analyses, identification of dynamics, and predictive modelling become possible using the quantified data.
- Reduced cost (multiplexing, industrial organisation): access to accurate quantitative data at a low cost and within very short timeframes. This opens up the possibility of scaling up measurements cost-effectively to carry out long-term monitoring and/or obtain statistically significant volumes of data.
STANDARDISED ANALYSES
ABSOLUTE QUANTIFICATION
DATA PROCESSING
COST REDUCTION

IAGE: innovative solutions for companies and laboratories working on the gut microbiota:

IAGE supports you at every stage of development, offering complete flexibility.
IAGE microbiome diagram

1) Absolute quantification on demand

Drawing on its catalogue of targets, and developing new ones where necessary, IAGE carries out the required measurements, typically within 72 hours.
We operate as a contracted research organisation. To this end, IAGE holds CIR accreditation.
IAGE works with you to organise all the necessary logistics and traceability, regardless of the volumes required.

2) Support for research and/or product development programmes

IAGE draws on its expertise and resources to support research programmes, for example into the evolution of the microbiota, or the development of treatments or probiotics.
We help to define the appropriate measures at each stage and carry out these measurements to the highest quality standards. We also provide our expertise in data processing, data visualisation and sharing tools, and modelling to support our clients’ research and development teams right through to the clinical phase.

3) Development of management or diagnostic tools

Quantitative measurements and models can be used to develop effective decision-support tools: analytical production control or biomarkers, for example, by combining quantitative measurements with additional metadata.
IAGE can develop the necessary measurements and mathematical analyses to enable you to create tools that can be used in real-world conditions.
Finally, we can also develop tools for visualising results, sharing data and conducting analyses to meet your specific challenges and requirements.
PARTNERSHIP

IAGE Laboratory, a new partner of LE FRENCH GUT

Logo Le French Gut
Determined to get involved in the latest research emerging in this field, we have joined LE FRENCH GUT as a partner, both to carry out the necessary measurements and to contribute to the mathematical models that will be derived from the projects developed within this framework.
We are proud to contribute to advancing knowledge and to put our expertise at the service of this initiative.

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Good to know :
IAGE’s core expertise lies in developing probes for digital PCR measurements for any target of interest. Our specific contribution to the study of the microbiome involves identifying the microorganisms within the microbiome that our partners or clients consider to be of interest, and then developing the most effective processes and probes.
Our recommendations:
You define your targets of interest based on prior identifications, and the type of results expected (raw measurement values, levels, etc.), in line with your objectives, and IAGE sets up the logistics chain and then determines the best combinations for any multiplexes (currently up to 6 targets). This makes it possible to meet the most diverse and precise monitoring requirements.
We support you:
IAGE works with you to define the best combinations for potential multiplexes (currently up to 6 targets) and sets up the supply chain.
This makes it possible to meet the most diverse and precise monitoring requirements.
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Good to know :
Quantitative measurement allows for a radical shift in the type of mathematical analysis, as we move from a binary system (presence/absence or relative comparisons) to a continuous system (the full range of concentration values). This enables:
- The monitoring of changes over time within an organism, and thus the possibility of developing models of change.
- The cross-referencing of measurement data with metadata (information on patients, cohorts, genetic data, etc.).
- The use of much more advanced statistical or artificial intelligence models to quantify the influences of different parameters on a microorganism, enabling the development of models of coexistence or influence, and thus of prediction.
Quantitative measurement thus opens up the possibility of creating decision-support tools for the analysis and control of the microbiota.
Our recommendations:
You involve IAGE at an early stage in defining the measurements to be carried out in order to make the best use of our expertise and the mathematical tools available.
We support you:
IAGE supports you in defining the most relevant measurements, in the possible uses of the measurements taken (for example, co-occurrence analysis), and in selecting the mathematical tools that can be used, depending on your objectives.
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Good to know :
Quantitative data demonstrate their strength and value at every stage of a project aimed at identifying mechanisms of change, from the R&D phase right through to clinical trials.
IAGE has expertise both in carrying out measurements and in modelling and designing tools for sharing, visualising and analysing data.
Our recommendations:
Depending on your objectives or the progress of your project, consider all areas of application, for example:
- Quantitative validation of microbial signatures, integration into predictive models.
- Optimisation and standardisation of production processes for viable microorganisms.
- Transformation of biological hypotheses into robust quantitative panels.
- Pre-treatment: identifying the profiles most likely to respond.
- Start of treatment: measuring biological engagement.
- Validation of companion biomarkers for response: developing and validating a faecal biomarker for probability of response and/or early biological response
We support you:
IAGE can mobilise its domain experts and modelling specialists to help you design experimental designs, then implement the logistics and traceability, right through to the tools for analysing, sharing and visualising the data relevant to your research.
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