A biomolecular isolation protocol for Eco-Systems Biology: How to isolate DNA, RNA, proteins and metabolites from a single unique sample

The Molecular Systems Biology approach based on the integration of omic datasets is hampered by the complexity, dynamic and heterogeneity of mixed microbial communities. In order to facilitate meaningful data integration, individual biomolecular fractions need to be obtained from single unique samples.
Our newly developed methodology allows for the isolation of high-quality genomic DNA, RNA, proteins and metabolites from single mixed microbial community samples (e.g. human faeces, freshwater filtrate), as well as from mammalian tissues.
The framework lays the basis for standardized molecular (eco-)systematic studies on a range of different biological samples in the future.