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“Omics” Techniques Used in Marine Biofouling Studies
Summary
This review analyzes recent applications of omics techniques including metagenomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics in the study of marine biofouling organisms and communities. The review emphasizes metagenomics and proteomics approaches, surveys publications using multi-omics combinations, and outlines future directions for environmental omics research in understanding biofouling dynamics on wetted surfaces.
Biofouling is the growth of organisms on wetted surfaces. Biofouling includes micro- (bacteria and unicellular algae) and macrofouling (mussels, barnacles, tube worms, bryozoans, etc.) and is a major problem for industries. However, the settlement and growth of some biofouling species, like oysters and corals, can be desirable. Thus, it is important to understand the process of biofouling in detail. Modern “omic” techniques, metabolomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics provide unique opportunities to study biofouling organisms and communities and investigate their metabolites and interactions with the environment. In this review, we analyze the recent publications that employ metagenomic, metabolomic, and proteomic techniques for the investigation of biofouling and biofouling organisms. Specific emphasis is given to metagenomics and proteomics as well as those publications that use a combination of different “omics” techniques. Finally, this review presents the future outlook for the use of “omics” techniques in marine biofouling studies. Like all trans-disciplinary research, environmental “omics” is in its infancy and will advance rapidly as researchers develop the necessary expertise, theory, and technology.
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