Informed Carbohydrate Active Enzyme Discovery within the Human Distal Gut Microbiome

Next-generation sequencing of bacterial communities such as the human distal gut microbiome has generated a vast metagenomic sequence space. A common feature emerging from these analyses is that the genomes of intestinal bacteria are enriched with genes dedicated to the metabolism of indigestible dietary polysaccharides. Although cultureindependent techniques are unparalleled in their ability to probe and catalog carbohydrate active enzyme gene diversity within complex communities, downstream functional genomic approaches are still required to elucidate the mechanisms by which these enzymes and pathways function. Harnessing the potential of biocatalytic repositories, such as the human distal gut microbiome, will continue to facilitate the informed discovery of potent enzymes and help drive innovation towards the sustainable conversion of plant cell wall biomass.