Curr. Issues Mol. Biol., Volume 4, Issue 4 (October 2002) – 3 articles

Human and other annotated genome sequences have facilitated generation of vast amounts of correlative data, from human/animal genetics, normal and disease-affected tissues from complex diseases such as arthritis using gene/protein chips and SNP analysis. These data sets include genes/proteins whose functions are partially known at the cellular level or may be completely unknown (e.g. ESTs). Thus, genomic research has transformed molecular biology from "data poor" to "data rich" science, allowing further division into subpopulations of subcellular fractions, which are often given an "-omic" suffix. These disciplines have to converge at a systemic level to examine the structure and dynamics of cellular and organismal function. The challenge of characterizing ESTs linked to complex diseases is like interpreting sharp images on a blurred background and therefore requires a multi-dimensional screen for functional genomics ("functionomics") in tissues, mice and zebra fish model, which intertwines various approaches and readouts to study development and homeostasis of a system. In summary, the post-genomic era of functionomics will facilitate to narrow the bridge between correlative data and causative data by quaint hypothesis-driven research using a system approach integrating "intercoms" of interacting and interdependent disciplines forming a unified whole as described in this review for Arthritis. Full article

Epigenetics is one of the key areas of future research that can elucidate how genomes work. It combines genetics and the environment to address complex biological systems such as the plasticity of our genome. While all nucleated human cells carry the same genome, they express different genes at different times. Much of this is governed by epigenetic changes resulting in differential methylation of our genome - or different epigenomes. Individual studies over the past decades have already established the involvement of DNA methylation in imprinting, gene regulation, chromatin structure, genome stability and disease, especially cancer. Now, in the wake of the Human Genome Project (HGP), epigenetic phenomena can be studied genome-wide and are giving rise to a new field, epigenomics. Here, we review the current and future potential of this field and introduce the pilot study towards the Human Epigenome Project (HEP). Full article

As the determination of gene sequences and their function gains speed at the dawn of the third millennium, biomedical research efforts are oriented towards definition of the genetic and molecular expression patterns that may drive different disease. A major part of these efforts is addressed to the definition of inter-individual variations that are expected to become integral for treatment planning, in terms of efficacy and adverse effects of drugs. It is this thrust on genome-based 'rational therapeutics' that is hoped to progressively lead to the era of 'personalized medicine'. This approach uses the technological expertise from genomics and functional genomics to define, predict and monitor the nature of the response of an individual to drugs, and to rationally design newer drugs. In the present review we will conduct our readers through an understanding of the fundamentals of pharmacogenomics and of the technologies currently available that are advancing this relatively new science. Conversely, there are issues raised that concern how medical practice is preparing itself to implement new alternatives for therapeutical interventions and finally, how to respect patient confidentiality and rights. Full article