Unraveling Microbial Effectors: Metaproteomics in the One Health Framework

One Health seeks to integrate and balance the health of humans, animals, and environmental systems. These three spheres are intricately interconnected through microbiomes, which are universally present and exchange microbes and genes, influencing not only human and animal health but also key environmental, agricultural, and biotechnological processes. Preventing the emergence of pathogens as well as monitoring and controlling the composition of microbiomes through microbial effectors including virulence factors, toxins, antibiotics, non-ribosomal peptides, and viruses holds transformative potential. However, the mechanisms by which these microbial effectors shape microbiomes and their broader functional consequences in relation to host and ecosystem health remain poorly understood to date. Metaproteomics offers a novel methodological framework as it provides insights into microbial dynamics by quantifying microbial biomass composition, metabolic functions and detecting effectors like viruses, antimicrobial resistance proteins, and non-ribosomal peptides. Here, we document the potential of metaproteomics for elucidating microbial effectors and their impact on microbiomes, and discuss their potential for modulating microbiomes to foster desired functions.