It's all about functionality: How can metaproteomics help us to discuss the attributes of ecological relevance in soil?

Soil metaproteomics has been recently developed in order to link the phylogeny and functionality of soil microorganisms. After the development of protein extraction and peptide analysis, the use of improved mass-spectrometric systems has allowed the description of the microbial composition and the identification of proteins in soils subjected to deforestation, restoration, contamination and different agricultural managements. In this letter, we encourage one step-forward for soil metaproteomics. We believe that proteomics can complement ecological attributes that control the dynamics of soil microbial populations. Among these attributes, we highlight the resistance, resilience and plasticity of microbial populations. Providing with functional basis to these attributes will extend our knowledge on the microbial-mediated mechanisms regulating the impacts of climate change and agricultural management in the near future.