Variation of the Dog-Microbiome in Relation to Genetic and Environmental Factors

Supervisor: Prof. Bruno Stefanon

This current study will survey the variation of the microbiome in the dog in relation to genetic and environmental factors in order to identify enterotypes for groups of subjects. The genetic factors will consider the breeds and groupings as indicated by the International Dog Federation (FCI) and the sex and the environmental factors will consider the diet, the geographical area, the quality of life and the state of health. For the study, we will continue to take samples from subjects present on the farm or in private homes, referred to veterinarians for clinical checks and nutritionists for dietary advice, in training and education centers and in shelters. The microbiome will be analyzed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene and the data entered in the remote archive already built by the research group. In addition, we will proceed with an extended download from public archives, such as SRA of the NIH, of sequence files together with metadata. In addition to the annotations and the construction of phylogenetic trees of microbial communities, the study of alpha and beta diversities will be carried out. The set of data will be appropriately treated with multivariate statistical methodologies, including Multi Dimensional Scale (MDS) approaches, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), and with artificial intelligence approaches, such as neural network and machine learning. The goal is therefore to be able to attribute a microbial phenotype to an enterotype and to identify alterations in the composition of the microbial population that are indicators of dysbiosis and disese.

Biography and contacts

Fatemeh (Farnia) Baloue, Iran

Email: balouei.fatemeh@spes.uniud.it

Phone: 3201129761