Genetic, epigenetic and microbiome-based biomarkers

Sciensano is a public & independent scientific institute dedicated to human and animal health and their environment. We conduct scientific research and surveillance, and support the government and various agencies and organisations with health expertise, advice and services. Sciensano attaches great importance to the One Health principle, which emphasises that the health of humans, animals and their environment are interconnected.

Within Sciensano, Transversal activities in Applied Genomics is a transversal unit developing and implementing molecular biology and bioinformatics applications to perform both routine analyses, and scientific & technological research. We generate new knowledge & tools tailored to face and anticipate the current & future challenges affecting human health, incl. activities in the domain of molecular detection, identification and characterisation of micro-organisms, biotech plants and human biomarkers.

We are seeking a consortium where we contribute state-of-the-art biomarker measurement and interpretation to better connect environmental exposures, biological responses, and health outcomes. Our core expertise lies in high-resolution microbiome, genetic and epigenetic biomarker analysis, designed for integration into large human studies, cohorts, and biomonitoring frameworks.

Microbiome, genetic and epigenetic biomarkers add a critical mechanistic and human-relevant layer that is currently underrepresented in many large-scale health and environmental studies. These calls aim to move beyond describing associations toward understanding how environmental, lifestyle, and climate-related factors become biologically embedded and lead to disease. Microbiome profiles can act as early, dynamic indicators of exposure and physiological perturbation, while genetic and epigenetic markers reveal susceptibility and early biological effects at the molecular level. Together, they enable identification of vulnerable groups, early warning signals, and modifiable pathways, which is essential for prevention-focused NCD research, climate–health impact assessment, and next-generation risk assessment. Their inclusion also strengthens the implementation of NAMs by providing human-based, mechanism-informed data that can complement or reduce reliance on animal models and improve the scientific basis for regulatory and public health decision-making.

Microbiome analysis as a health and exposure biomarker — and as a NAM

We provide comprehensive microbiome profiling using: Shotgun metagenomics for robust, scalable taxonomic and functional profiling; Long-read metagenomics for improved genome reconstruction, strain-level resolution, and mobile genetic element analysis; 16S rRNA sequencing as cost-efficient option or harmonisation with legacy datasets.

This multi-platform approach allows us to characterise not only who is there, but also what they can do, enabling functional interpretation of microbiome shifts in relation to: Environmental and chemical exposures; Lifestyle and behavioural factors; Climate-sensitive exposures; Early biological changes linked to chronic NCD.

Importantly, microbiome readouts can serve as mechanistically informative, human-relevant biomarkers, supporting their use as NAMs. Microbiome data can provide early signals of biological perturbation, help bridge exposure to effect, and reduce reliance on traditional animal models by offering in vivo human-relevant functional information.

We have experience with the methodological, logistical, and analytical challenges of large-scale microbiome integration in population-based research, including sampling strategies.

Genetic and epigenetic biomarkers — scalable multi-layer molecular insight

We analyse genetic polymorphisms and DNA methylation as biomarkers of susceptibility and biological effect, particularly in the context of environmental and chemical exposures.

This enables: Identification of interindividual susceptibility to environmental stressors; Detection of early molecular changes associated with exposure and disease pathways; Integration of genetic, epigenetic, exposure, and health data for NGRA.

We enable consortia to: Integrate human-relevant NAMs into biomedical and regulatory research; Link environment, climate, lifestyle and health through measurable biological pathways; Strengthen multisectoral NCD research with mechanistic biomarkers beyond the healthcare system; Support regulatory science and NGRA with effect and susceptibility biomarkers in real human populations.

By combining advanced sequencing technologies, population-scale feasibility, and expertise in exposure–biology–health integration, we provide a critical bridge between epidemiology, mechanistic biology, & risk assessment.