Metagenomic Approaches for Understanding New Concepts in Microbial Science

Autor(es)

Alves, Luana de Fatima ; Westmann, Caua Antunes ; Lovate, Gabriel Lencioni ; Viana de Siqueira, Guilherme Marcelino ; Borelli, Tiago Cabral ; Guazzaroni, Maria-Eugenia

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GENOMICS; v. 2018, p. 15-pg., 2018-01-01.

Resumo

Over the past thirty years, since the dawn of metagenomic studies, a completely new (micro) universe was revealed, with the potential to have profound impacts on many aspects of the society. Remarkably, the study of human microbiome provided a new perspective on a myriad of human traits previously regarded as solely (epi-) genetically encoded, such as disease susceptibility, immunological response, and social and nutritional behaviors. In this context, metagenomics has established a powerful framework for understanding the intricate connections between human societies and microbial communities, ultimately allowing for the optimization of both human health and productivity. Thus, we have shifted from the old concept of microbes as harmful organisms to a broader panorama, in which the signal of the relationship between humans and microbes is flexible and directly dependent on our own decisions and practices. In parallel, metagenomics has also been playing a major role in the prospection of "hidden" genetic features and the development of biotechnological applications, through the discovery of novel genes, enzymes, pathways, and bioactive molecules with completely new or improved biochemical functions. Therefore, this review highlights the major milestones over the last three decades of metagenomics, providing insights into both its potentialities and current challenges. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 17/20818-9 - Caracterização de novos elementos regulatórios metagenômicos
• Beneficiário: Tiago Cabral Borelli
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Iniciação Científica
• Processo FAPESP: 16/05472-6 - Engenharia e prospecção de novos elementos regulatórios em bactéria através de abordagens de biologia sintética
• Beneficiário: Cauã Antunes Westmann
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Mestrado
• Processo FAPESP: 16/06323-4 - Novas ferramentas para abordagens metagenômicas na prospecção de celulases
• Beneficiário: Luana de Fátima Alves
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 15/04309-1 - Novas abordagens para melhorar a prospecção funcional de biocatalizadores em bibliotecas metagenômicas
• Beneficiário: María Eugenia Guazzaroni
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Jovens Pesquisadores