Core lab that analyzes viruses and microbes in blood, gut, mouth, and airways
Biospeciman Analysis Core
This project uses advanced genetic sequencing of blood, stool, saliva, and nasal samples from children and adults to track viruses and microbes over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261102 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, your stored or newly collected samples (blood, stool, saliva, nasal swabs) will receive detailed genetic sequencing to identify viruses and bacterial signatures. The Core combines existing biobanked samples with repeat samples from the same people to follow changes over months and years. Techniques include whole-genome metagenomic sequencing, targeted 16S rRNA gene sequencing for bacteria, long-read sequencing to capture full viral genomes and DNA modifications, and Hi-C methods to link viruses to their microbial hosts. The work is led by the Penn–CHOP microbiome team and focuses on samples from children (including ages 0–11) and adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adults enrolled in Penn or CHOP cohorts who can provide or allow use of blood, stool, saliva, or nasal samples and are willing to give repeat samples over time.
Not a fit: People not enrolled at Penn or CHOP or unable to provide biological samples are unlikely to be eligible or directly benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve understanding of how viral and bacterial communities change with age and illness and help guide new diagnostics, prevention, or treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Other teams, including the Penn–CHOP group, have successfully used metagenomic and 16S sequencing to profile microbes, and some newer long-read and Hi-C approaches for phage-host mapping are showing promising early results.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bushman, Frederic D — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Bushman, Frederic D
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.