MTD analysis (IMAGE) Texas Biomedical Research Institute Caption MTD analyzes gene expression activity in both the host and microbiome at the same time, and automatically generates a graphic showing correlations between the two. Darker red shows a stronger positive correlation, meaning the upregulation or downregulation of a certain host gene or pathway is related to upregulation or downregulation of a certain type of microbe in the same direction. Darker blue shows a stronger negative correlation, meaning a host gene or pathway is less active but the microbe species is more active. While the analysis does not indicate one causes the other, it can highlight relationships for researchers to investigate further that could help to understand the cause-effect relationship for potential development of treatments. Credit Texas Biomed Usage Restrictions Reuse allowed with credit. License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.