Search bioRxiv⌕ Search

Biology subjects

Swales, J.

Publications and source records attributed to Swales, J..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

Training a neural network to learn other dimensionality reduction removes data size restrictions in bioinformatics and provides a new route to exploring data representations

High dimensionality omics and hyperspectral imaging datasets present difficult challenges for feature extraction and data mining due to huge numbers of features that cannot be simultaneously examined. The sample numbers and variables of these methods are constantly growing as new technologies are developed, and computational analysis needs to evolve to keep up with growing demand. Current state of the art algorithms can handle some routine datasets but struggle when datasets grow above a certain size. We present a training deep learning via neural networks on non-linear dimensionality reduction, in particular t-distributed stochastic neighbour embedding (t-SNE), to overcome prior limitations of these methods. One Sentence SummaryAnalysis of prohibitively large datasets by combining deep learning via neural networks with non-linear dimensionality reduction.

bioinformatics↗

Mapping the influence of the gut microbiota on small molecules in the brain through mass spectrometry imaging

BackgroundThe gut microbiota is known to influence virtually all facets of human health. Recent work has highlighted a potential role for the gut microbiota in neurological health through the microbiome-gut-brain axis. Microbes can influence the brain both directly and indirectly; through neurotransmitter production, induction of host immunomodulators, or through the release or induction of other microbial or host molecules. MethodsHere we used mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), a label-free imaging tool, to map the molecular changes that occur in the murine gut and brain in germ-free, antibiotic-treated and control mice. ResultsWe determined the spatial distribution and relative quantification of neurotransmitters and their precursors across brain and gut sections in response to the microbiome. Using untargeted MSI of small molecules, we detected a significant change in the levels of four identified metabolites in the brains of germ-free animals compared to controls; vitamin B5, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid, 3-methyl-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate and 4-(trimethylammonio)pentanoate. However, antibiotic treatment induced no significant changes in these metabolites in the brain after one week of treatment. ConclusionsThis work exemplifies the utility of MSI as a tool in determining the spatial distribution and quantification of bacterial and host metabolites in the gut and brain whilst also offering the potential for discovery of novel mediators of microbiome-gut-brain axis communication.

microbiology↗