List of Microbiome Companies in North Carolina - 5

AgBiomeis usingknowledge of the crop microbiome and an extensive network of field-sampling partners to build a proprietary microbial strain collection that is both diverse and large—larger, in fact, than the major public strain collections. Unlike many programs, which only use metagenomics surveys, the AgBiome platform is focused on true isolated microbial strains, which provideinsight into the genomic composition of crop-associated microbes. The company uses this collection as a resource for discovering new biologicals and trait genes.Existing microbial classification systems based on 16S rDNA sequences or other fingerprinting technologies are imprecise—microbes that are classified as ‘the same’ often differ by hundreds of genes. AgBiome uses proprietary algorithms based on whole genome sequence to classify organisms in their collection. This allows the company to measure the true diversity of plant-associated microbes at the gene level—and genes determine function and performance. The company has also applied our whole-genome methods to their straincollection.

DHMRI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, contract research organization specializing in the provision of cutting-edge genomic and metabolomic research services and instrumentation essential to furthering scientific understanding in areas including human health, nutrition, immuno-oncology, plant and animal trait development, and microbiome studies.The organization leverages its expertise and world-leading facilities through scientific collaborations with researchers and other non-profit organizations, world-wide, to deliver advancements in theknowledge and understanding of human wellness, health and longevity.As part of its mandate, DHMRI also provides an integrated core laboratory serving the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC) and North Carolina university researchers, with cutting edge technologies, and services.

The company is developing probiotics and enzymes that improve cattle health and digestive efficiency by eliminating methane.

Next generation CRISPR technology for programmed cell death. Focused on developing therapies for infectious disease and the microbiome. Locus Biosciences’ novel approach to precision antimicrobials works by taking advantage of a part of an immune system present in many bacteria called the CRISPR-Cas system. The CRISPR-Cas system protects bacteria from invaders such as viruses by creating small strands of RNA called CRISPR RNAs, which match DNA sequences specific to a given invader. When the CRISPR RNAs find a match, they activate Cas proteins that cut the DNA.

Almost every factor that affects health – from genetics and the microbiome to disease and lifestyle – exerts its influence by altering metabolite levels in the body or other biological system. By producing the most accurate and comprehensive picture of the collection of metabolites, known as the metabolome, from a single biological sample, Metabolon can deliver an instantaneous snapshot of the entire physiology of a living being at a discreet point in time, as well as identify changes in that system brought about the impact of disease, medical intervention, diet or the environment. This deep and comprehensive view of the metabolome provides biological insights that cannot be revealed through any other research methodology, enabling life sciences researchers and drug developers to discover answers some of biology’s most difficult questions. Metabolon's unrivaled capability to look deep into the metabolome has enabled us to build the world’s largest library of compounds that currently includes 5,200+ total known molecules. Our proprietary Precision Metabolomics™ platform, combined with the world's most experienced metabolomics scientists, delivers biologic insights and identification of novel commercial opportunities for drug discovery and development, through clinical trials and life cycle management. Metabolon’s expertise is also accelerating research and product development for clients in academia, population health, consumer products, and nutrition industries. Founded in 2000 and based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Metabolon has conducted more than 10,000 independent and collaborative studies, resulting in 2,000+ publications in leading peer-reviewed journals. For more information about our technology, products and services, please visit www.metabolon.com.