AUTHOR=Zhang Lu , Chen FengXin , Zeng Zhan , Xu Mengjiao , Sun Fangfang , Yang Liu , Bi Xiaoyue , Lin Yanjie , Gao YuanJiao , Hao HongXiao , Yi Wei , Li Minghui , Xie Yao TITLE=Advances in Metagenomics and Its Application in Environmental Microorganisms JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology VOLUME=12 YEAR=2021 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2021.766364 DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2021.766364 ISSN=1664-302X ABSTRACT=

Metagenomics is a new approach to study microorganisms obtained from a specific environment by functional gene screening or sequencing analysis. Metagenomics studies focus on microbial diversity, community constitute, genetic and evolutionary relationships, functional activities, and interactions and relationships with the environment. Sequencing technologies have evolved from shotgun sequencing to high-throughput, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and third-generation sequencing (TGS). NGS and TGS have shown the advantage of rapid detection of pathogenic microorganisms. With the help of new algorithms, we can better perform the taxonomic profiling and gene prediction of microbial species. Functional metagenomics is helpful to screen new bioactive substances and new functional genes from microorganisms and microbial metabolites. In this article, basic steps, classification, and applications of metagenomics are reviewed.