DREAMS of metabolism

Metabolic networks have been studied for decades, and sophisticated computational frameworks are needed to augment experimental approaches to harness these complex networks. BNICE (Biochemical Network Integrated Computational Explorer), a computational approach for the discovery of novel biochemical pathways, overcomes many of the current limitations. BNICE and similar frameworks can be used in a myriad of different areas: (i) design of novel pathways for metabolic engineering and bioremediation; (ii) retrosynthesis of metabolic compounds; (iii) evolution analysis between metabolic pathways of different organisms; (iv) analysis of metabolic pathways; (v) mining of 'omics' data; and (vi) selection of targets for enzyme engineering. We will discuss the issues and challenges in building such a framework and the gamut of applications that they can offer.