Examining the functional space of gut microbiome ‐derived peptides

This article proposes exploring the functional space of gut microbiome-derived peptides using in silico approaches that include machine learning tools, as well as activity-agnostic approaches. AbstractThe human gut microbiome contains thousands of small, novel peptides that could play a role in microbe –microbe and host–microbe interactions, contributing to human health and disease. Although these peptides have not yet been systematically characterized, computational tools can be used to elucidate the bioactivities they may have. This article proposes probing the functional space of gut microb iome-derived peptides (MDPs) using in silico approaches for three bioactivities: antimicrobial, anticancer, and nucleomodulins. Machine learning programs that support peptide and protein queries are provided for each bioactivity. Considering the biases of an activity-centric approach, activity-agnos tic tools using structural and chemical similarity and target prediction are also described. Gut MDPs represent a vast functional space that can not only contribute to our understanding of microbiome interactions but potentially even serve as a source of life-changing therapeutics.

Source: MicrobiologyOpen - December 12, 2023 Category: Microbiology Authors: Ying ‐Chiang J. Lee Tags: COMMENTARY Source Type: research