Background

Microbial communities are complex systems and learning on the existing link between composition and the ecosystem functions is still challenging. Regardless the microbiota’s milieu (human, animal, plant, environment, food, etc.), the single microbial members often differ in their functional responses to it, modifying the microbial population metrics, specific biochemical pathways, and antigenic load. The reliability of the metaproteomics approaches, from proteins/peptides sample preparation to bioinformatics analyses, provides new practical tools to design efficacious functional studies of microbiota and for unraveling interaction between community diversity and functional features.
A sound scientific basis for improved mass spectrometry and bioinformatics technologies is the key to develop appropriate and effective experimental efforts aimed at unveiling microbiota structure and functions. The Symposium will present the latest science and stimulate discussion between keynote lecturers, selected speakers, and all attendees.