Bioinformatics and integrative omics applied to metabolic pathways, genes and enzyme discovery

Microbes are the most diversified and widespread kind of life on Earth and have evolved to survive in diverse habitats and in complex microbial communities. Metabolic functions of these organisms are fundamentally important, as they shape the environment, influence the host, and provide us with unprecedented functional molecules. However, the pathways and enzymes involved in these metabolic interactions are largely unknown.

Bioinformatics and integrative omics analyses including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics provide a mean to understand and explore microbial diversity and metabolism at the molecular level, which is essential to decipher the biological roles of these organisms. It also represents an unprecedented opportunity for the discovery of novel metabolic capabilities that will ultimately lead to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly routes for biorenewables production.