Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Ultrahigh-throughput exploration of metagenomic sequence space to discover and engineer novel biocatalysts and bioactive compounds

Project description

The future of metagenomic diversity – functional molecules from nature's treasure trove

Metagenomic DNA – collections of all DNA from natural sources – is a valuable untapped reservoir of functional molecules. Computational and experimental approaches are combined in this effort to shed light on nature's 'dark matter' and allow its systematic understanding and subsequent valorisation in green technologies. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MetaExplore project aims to train young researchers in innovative experimental and computational methods, allowing them to explore and exploit the immense biotechnological potential of metagenomic sequence space. This approach bridges the divide between wet lab and in silico work: modern innovation tools require this synergy to identify proverbial 'needles' in this haystack of information provided by nature, as future high efficiency solutions for biocatalysis, energy generation and health applications.

Objective

The objective of MetaExplore is to provide research training for young researchers in novel experimental as well as computational methods to fully exploit the immense biotechnological potential of metagenomic sequence space, with innovative approaches on both fronts. On the experimental side, successful screening of large metagenomic libraries requires ultrahigh-throughput technologies, because low hit rates can frustrate conventional experimental formats. Here microfluidic droplet screening (allowing >10e8 picolitre assays per day, at kHz rates) is used in various formats to derive fundamental insight and achieve valorisation, along with label-free mass-spectrometric screens and liquid handling robots. On the in silico side, unprecedented availability of sequence data (e.g. more than 3 billion ORFs in the database MGnify) and machine learning will provide systematic insights based in sequence interpretation. The combination of sequence-based and functional metagenomics is extraordinarily powerful and our training programme bridges the classical divide between them. These skill sets, together with environmental DNA resources (from polar regions, hot environments, soil, marine & fresh-water and gut libraries) support campaigns to identify useful protein reagents, for green technology applications (e. g. for microplastics degradation, glycobiology or fine chemical synthesis), and healthcare (e.g. as bacteriocidal reagents or therapeutic enzymes). 11 leading academic groups and 2 industrial partners will work together in MetaExplore (and 9 companies and universities as associated partners and advisors). The unified efforts of leading stakeholders in the field of metagenomics from Europe will provide a uniquely powerful multidisciplinary training environment with critical mass to facilitate the uptake of new technologies into applied research, exposing young researchers to typical intersectorial challenges in the exploration and sustainable exploitation of biodiversity.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.

You need to log in or register to use this function

Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-DN-01

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 348 738,12
Address
TRINITY LANE THE OLD SCHOOLS
CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom

See on map

Region
East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Participants (11)

Partners (11)

My booklet 0 0