Detect taxonomy-specific pathway associations with environmental factors using metagenomic data

Abstract

In microbial communities, the taxonomic structure and functional capability are highly related. We proposed a method by considering the combination of taxa and functional categories to explore the ecological mechanisms of microbial communities. Using GOS metagenomic samples, we tested this idea and its effectiveness. The combination of taxonomies and functional groups could reflect the difference between habitats and may help to explain the combination adaptability of microbes to environment.