Harnessing enzymatic functions: comparison of activity-based and sequence-based approaches

Harnessing enzymatic functions and their catalytic properties can help unlock green applications in industries like pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Revealing enzymatic function can be done using both sequence-based and activity-based methods.

In this webinar we will talk about:

• Protein databases in MGnify, searching and accessing: How to access and explore protein sequences available through MGnify Proteins and how this resource can support sequence-based bioprospecting.

• Identifying novel proteins for plastic degradation: How metagenomic protein sequence data can be used to identify novel enzymes with the potential to degrade plastics.

• Exploring, beyond single enzymes, complex functions through functional metagenomics: This part of the webinar will introduce the core workflow of functional metagenomics as a powerful tool for unbiased gene discovery. Through diverse case studies, it will explore how this approach goes beyond simple enzyme screening to uncover complex mechanisms like stress resistance mechanisms, quorum quenching or biofilm formation.

This event is part of the broader "Exploring and harnessing marine microbiomes for a sustainable blue bioeconomy" webinar series. You can follow the link for more information about the series and its webinars. The organisation of this series has been funded by UKRI, Horizon Europe, and Swiss Confederation.

Who is this course for?

This webinar is suitable for:

• Anyone from academia and industry who conduct research, utilise discovery platforms and develop applications in aquaculture, agriculture and pharmaceuticals
• Anyone from research infrastructures who manage marine sampling and scientific data, and who develop discovery platforms

Outcomes

By the end of the webinar, you will be able to:

• Access data from MGnify Proteins, use sequence data for bioprospecting enzymes such as plastizymes, and apply activity-based approaches such as functional metagenomics
• Identify the core workflow of functional metagenomics and how it can be applied to discover genes and complex biological mechanisms beyond enzyme screening

This webinar, hosted on Zoom Webinar, is free to attend, but you need to register for a place beforehand, using the 'Register' button. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to join the webinar.

The webinar will be recorded, and the recording will be made available on this page one day after the event. Please note that we do not issue certificates of attendance for our webinars. However, you will receive an email from our Zoom account confirming your participation a day after the event