A proteomics strategy for the analysis of bacterial biodegradation pathways

Bacterial biodegradation (bioremediation) is the use of microorganisms to break down organic materials into simpler compounds; it plays a pivotal role in the clean-up of hazardous wastes in the environment. Following the completion of genome sequencing in bacteria capable of biodegradation, functional genomic studies have played a major role in obtaining information on bacterial biodegradation pathways. Novel proteomics technologies have recently been developed to make it possible to analyze global protein expression. Proteomics can also provide important information on the life cycle, regulation, and post-translational modification of proteins induced under specific conditions. Proteomics technologies have been applied to the comprehensive study of bacterial biodegradation. In this paper, we introduce the proteomics technologies applicable to bacterial biodegradation studies, review the results of the proteomics analysis of representative biodegrading bacteria, and discuss the potential use of proteomics technologies in future biodegradation studies.