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Updated: May 2, 2026

Mass Spectrometry-Guided Genome Mining as a Tool to Uncover Novel Natural Products
Published on: March 12, 2020
Bioprospecting in the genomic age
Michael A Hicks1, Kristala L J Prather2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
The genomic revolution accelerates biocatalyst discovery through function-based metagenomics. Advances in DNA sequencing and data analysis are improving gene-based bioprospecting and protein engineering for bioprocesses.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Biotechnology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- The genomic revolution offers significant potential for discovering novel biocatalysts.
- Function-based metagenomic methods have successfully identified enzymes suitable for various bioprocesses.
- Increasing volumes of genomic data necessitate advanced strategies for gene-based bioprospecting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss recent advancements in bioprospecting within the genomic era.
- To highlight the importance of leveraging genomic data for enzyme discovery.
- To explore the link between protein sequence, function, and protein engineering.
Main Methods:
- Function-based metagenomics for enzyme identification.
- Analysis of large-scale genomic and proteomic datasets.
- Correlation of discovered enzyme functions with sequence information.
Main Results:
- Identification of several enzymes with potential bioprocess applications.
- Improved understanding of the sequence-function relationship in proteins.
- Development of enhanced gene-based bioprospecting strategies.
Conclusions:
- Genomic data and advanced analytical approaches are crucial for biocatalyst discovery.
- Protein engineering can be facilitated by improved knowledge of sequence-function relationships.
- The genomic age presents new opportunities for bioprospecting and bioprocess development.
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