The 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rRNA) is a common bacterial marker, used as a target for microbial community profiling in microbiome metagenomic studies. The gene is composed of nine variable regions (V1-V9) interspersed between conserved regions. The most common 16S rRNA NGS assays target one or two regions using a single set of primers (e.g., V3-V4). However, this approach usually results in a poor bacterial detection and classification rate when the DNA input is of low-quality or when applying it on extremely low biomass samples.  The 5R-PLEX kit offers a complete solution to challenging biological samples where the standard 16S sequencing protocols fail to perform.   Sample types include:

• Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissue
• Cancerous tumor tissue 
• Degraded or damaged DNA  
• Low biomass samples 
• Fossil-derived and ancient DNA

The 5R-PLEX kit was developed in collaboration with Dr. Ravid Straussman of the Weissmann Institute, based off a technique that was featured in his Science publication focused on the human tumor microbiome characterization (Science2020 May 29;368(6494):973-980. doi: 10.1126/science.aay9189) . The kit targets five short variable regions along the 16S rRNA gene (V2, V3, V5, V6, V8) that are co-amplified in a multiplexed PCR within a single tube.   After sequencing, the output data is uploaded to our M-CAMPTM platform (Microbiome Computational Analysis for Multi-omics Profiling) and analyzed using the unique 5R-PLEX algorithm[2]. This new analysis approach computationally combines the amplified regions to reconstruct one coherent high-resolution microbial profile. Read more about our kit here.

The shelf life of all reagents provided in the kit is 12 months when stored properly. Store all components at -20 °C.

Kit component details can be found in the User guide.

M-Camp is a trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany