Integrating genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics into environmental enzymology: the next frontier or fool's gold?

Extracellular enzymes are widely measured as indices of microbial activity, resource allocation, and substrate availability. However, interpretation of enzyme activities is hampered by a limited understanding of controls on enzyme production, turnover, and in-situ activity. In part, this is the consequence of methodological limitations, which require artificial substrates and are conducted under conditions that differ from in situ conditions. Recently, new tools have emerged that have potential to provide new insights into microbial enzymology. Will these methods open a new frontier in enzymology research, or will they only result in the discovery of fool’s gold? I will highlight how genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic tools might be used to gain new insights into the controls on enzyme production, turnover, and in-situ activity. I will also discuss the potential for significant advancements even without the use of emerging tools. Each of these techniques offers the potential to provide new pieces to the puzzle of environmental enzymology, but progress is most likely through a multi-faceted approach.