Methods for extracting 'omes from microbialites

• Published in: Journal of microbiological methods Vol. 160; pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: Gómez-Acata, Elizabeth Selene, Centeno, Carla M., Falcón, Luisa I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.05.2019
• Subjects: Metagenomics; Metatranscriptomics; Microbialite; Multiomics; Viral extraction; Xanthogenate; Metagenomics; Viral extraction; Multiomics; Metatranscriptomics; Microbialite; Xanthogenate
• ISSN: 0167-7012; 1872-8359
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2019.02.014

Microbialites are organo-sedimentary structures formed by complex microbial communities that interact with abiotic factors to form carbonate rich fabrics. Extraction of DNA or total RNA from microbialites can be difficult because of the high carbonate mineral concentration and exopolymeric substances. The methods employed until now include substances such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, sodium dodecyl sulfate, xanthogenate, lysozyme and proteinase K, as well as mechanical disruption. Additionally, several commercial kits have been used to improve DNA and total RNA extraction. This minireview presents different methods applied for DNA and RNA extraction from microbialites and discusses their advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, extraction of all 'omes (DNA, RNA, Protein, Lipids, polar metabolites) using multiomic extraction methods (MPlex), as well as the state of art for extraction of viruses from microbialites, are also discussed. •Carbonate dissolution can help to extract DNA from microbialite.•Choose the best DNA extraction method depends on the microbialite•Xanthogenate can be used for DNA extraction from microbialites.•Commercial kits are commonly used for DNA extraction from microbialites.