Computational approaches for mining metagenomes for genes encoding biocatalysts

Efficient and environmentally friendly industrial-scale synthesis of pharmaceutical drugs is important to minimise their cost and maximise their availability. Biocatalyst enzymes isolated from nature are widely used for the commercial synthesis of such high-value therapeutics. Panels of functionally diverse enzymes are required to obtain economically viable biocatalysts. We have worked with Prozomix Ltd. to develop new methods for finding panels of enzymes from natural environments. These methods rely on bioinformatics technologies that allow large biological datasets to be managed and searched more effectively, speeding up the discovery and production of novel enzymes. In this talk I will give an overview of the collaborative research with Prozomix Ltd. to date and discuss future research directions.