Application of genome-scale metabolic models in metabolic engineering

Journal article, 2013

Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) are growing in accuracy and complexity with the development of advanced computational tools for using these models in simulation and for integrative data analysis. The reconstruction of metabolic networks for various microorganisms is allowing the analysis of phenotypic changes under various environmental and genetic conditions. Thanks to growing datasets on the specific properties of various microorganisms and to the development of computational tools and mathematical modeling, it is becoming possible to evaluate metabolic network modifications in microorganisms in silico, and thereby use GEMs to an increasing extent in metabolic engineering. Here we review the reconstruction of GEMs and their use in developing novel bioprocesses for producing biofuels, biomaterials, food ingredients, and pharmaceuticals.