Genomics perspectives on cyanobacteria research

Abstract Cyanobacteria are an ancient and diverse group of microorganisms that are of major ecotoxicological relevance since they produce harmful algal blooms, as well as toxic and natural molecules with distinct effects on human health. In water quality management, several methods can be applied and in these molecular tools through genomics research can serve as early warning techniques in the forecasting of blooms and cyanotoxicity, also allowing the characterization of a given environment or strain. In parallel, they can aid in the genetic biodiscovery of natural compounds directly from the environment or in strain collection serving as a directional tool in chemical compound isolation. In sum, a genomics perspective can unravel genetic biodiversity of cyanobacteria, their toxins and natural products, providing an easy and reliable tool in water quality management practices and finally through next-generation sequencing (NGS) determine the effective community inhabiting a specific environment.