From predicted bacteriocins to ecological function

Abstract

Highlights • Predicted bacteriocin loci do not by themselves establish ecological function.• We distinguish transcriptional, conditional, phenotypic, and ecological silence.• Sequence data reveal encoded potential, but context determines realized function.• A function-first framework links loci to expression, targets, and outcomes.• Bacteriocins provide a model for interpreting hidden antimicrobial repertoires.