About this Research Topic
Functional metagenomics, or directly accessing microbial function from metagenomes and metatranscriptomes through library construction , screening, sequencing, and the study of in situ organisms, has uncovered a breadth of enzymes and other biomolecules for biotechnology without having to cultivate. Functional metagenomics bridges the gap that exists between cultivation (experimental verification of function) and cultivation-independent (e.g., microbiome sequencing ) approaches. Typically, novel enzymes and the corresponding genes are selected using function-driven methods using clone libraries or cell-free in vitro transcription/translation in which function is screened and clones or genes with functional enzymes are sequenced and then characterized.
While these functional metagenomics methods are powerful, there are specific challenges including, for e.g., choosing the best host and expression system selection, optimization of heterologous production, the design of a screening strategy, high throughput screening of large clone libraries, and bioinformatics techniques. To fully understand microbial function in situ and to select genes and enzymes important for biotechnology, it is critical that we leverage new ways to employ the entire diversity of microbial enzymes available in nature for bioprospecting. Importantly, we are seeking articles focused on changing the current, traditional paradigm and new opportunities for application spaces in the selection of genes and enzymes using functional metagenomics. In addition, articles using combinations of high throughput sequencing and functional assays to recover novel genes and the corresponding enzymes are also appreciated. Authors of this research topic will have the opportunity to present their research at the International Functional Metagenomics Conference, in May 2022, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.
This article collection welcomes contribution focusing on but not limited to :
● New application spaces such as for genome engineering and production of high value bioproducts and materials
● Combination of new bioinformatics strategies, including artificial intelligence/machine learning, and development of cell-free, rapid, high throughput screening assays
● Assessing the metabolic potential of environmental communities
● Functional selection of novel enzymes with unusual or currently unknown functions
● Identification and selection of microbial eukaryotic enzymes
● Leveraging systems biology approaches for enzyme selection and activities
● Bioprospecting for multi-enzyme combinations (e.g., enzyme cocktails for complete plastics degradation for bioremediation)
While these functional metagenomics methods are powerful, there are specific challenges including, for e.g., choosing the best host and expression system selection, optimization of heterologous production, the design of a screening strategy, high throughput screening of large clone libraries, and bioinformatics techniques. To fully understand microbial function in situ and to select genes and enzymes important for biotechnology, it is critical that we leverage new ways to employ the entire diversity of microbial enzymes available in nature for bioprospecting. Importantly, we are seeking articles focused on changing the current, traditional paradigm and new opportunities for application spaces in the selection of genes and enzymes using functional metagenomics. In addition, articles using combinations of high throughput sequencing and functional assays to recover novel genes and the corresponding enzymes are also appreciated. Authors of this research topic will have the opportunity to present their research at the International Functional Metagenomics Conference, in May 2022, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.
This article collection welcomes contribution focusing on but not limited to :
● New application spaces such as for genome engineering and production of high value bioproducts and materials
● Combination of new bioinformatics strategies, including artificial intelligence/machine learning, and development of cell-free, rapid, high throughput screening assays
● Assessing the metabolic potential of environmental communities
● Functional selection of novel enzymes with unusual or currently unknown functions
● Identification and selection of microbial eukaryotic enzymes
● Leveraging systems biology approaches for enzyme selection and activities
● Bioprospecting for multi-enzyme combinations (e.g., enzyme cocktails for complete plastics degradation for bioremediation)
Keywords: Metagenomics, Genomics, Enzymes, Bioinformatics, Bioprospecting
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
