Comparative analysis of gut microbiome between Hong Kong population and other regional cohorts

This project aims to identify gut microbiome biomarkers associated with age and disease status in Hong Kong populations through comparative metagenomic analysis. We will generate shotgun sequencing data from local participants, then integrate these with LifeLines-DEEP datasets to discover population-specific and universal microbial signatures. Research phases include: (1) Sample collection at the communities in Hong Kong (Months 1-6); (2) Sample processing and sequencing at HKU-Pasteur facilities (Months 7-9); (3) Bioinformatic analysis using established pipelines (Months 10-15); (4) Biomarker validation and manuscript preparation (Months 16-24). This project will elucidate microbiome dynamics critical for diagnostic development and precision health initiatives.