New directions and interactions in metagenomics research

Abstract

Metagenomics, which aims to access the genomic potential of an environmental sample directly, is a burgeoning area that is generating enormous amounts of biological information. An examination of recent metagenomics literature reveals the discipline to be heading in new and interesting directions, including the investigation of the normal flora of mammals, analysis of ancient genomes, and exploration of the distribution of novel pathways. In addition, the development of new bioinformatics approaches and tools is allowing innovative mining of both existing and new data. Finally, there are indications that the integration of metagenomics with complementary approaches in microbial ecology is beginning. © 2005 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.