The Enzymes in the Environment Research Coordination Network: Advancing Our Understanding of Enzyme Production, Stabilization, Turnover, and in-Situ Activity.

Extracellular enzymes produced by bacteria and fungi are involved in innumerable biogeochemical processes and are central to providing services to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. However, our understanding of enzyme production, stabilization & turnover and in-situ activity is constrained by (1) limited methods for measuring in-situ activity, (2) limited discourse across disciplinary and ecosystem boundaries, and (3) limited synthesis of current research into an integrated conceptual framework leading into ecosystem models.  New developments in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and new modeling approaches provide a timely opportunity to advance our state of knowledge.   We will provide a brief overview of the history of enzymology  and key milestones to date.  Next, we will identify the critical areas of uncertainty in our current understanding of enzymes in the environment.  Finally, we will identify current and emerging technologies and approaches that are likely to help advance our understanding.  To facilitate research that addresses these areas of uncertainty, we have established a Research Coordination Network, funded by the National Science Foundation, open to all interested scientists and educators.  The network will sponsor a variety of activities including research exchanges, symposia and workshops, coordinated international projects and syntheses, and the development of educational material.  Through the activities of this network, we hope to help develop a more integrated understanding of the role of extracellular enzymes in soils and other environments.