Abstract
Omics analyses, including the systematic cataloging of messenger RNA and microRNA sequences or DNA methylation patterns in a cell population, organ or tissue sample, are powerful means of generating comprehensive genome-level data sets on complex diseases. We have systematically assessed the transcriptome, miRNome and methylome of gingival tissues from subjects with different diagnostic entities of periodontal disease, and studied the transcriptome of primary cells ex vivo, or in vitro after infection with periodontal pathogens. Our data further our understanding of the pathobiology of periodontal diseases and indicate that the gingival -omes translate into discernible phenotypic characteristics and possibly support an alternative, "molecular" classification of periodontitis.Here, we outline the laboratory steps required for the processing of periodontal cells and tissues for -omics analyses using current microarrays or next-generation sequencing technology.