Integration of structural and functional genomics

Abstract

SummaryThis paper introduces a special issue of Animal Genetics, which is devoted to the recent symposium held at Iowa State University entitled ÔIntegration of Structural and Functional GenomicsÕ. We describe issues and needs that confront the animal genomics community, and describe how this symposium was structured to address these issues by improving communication and collaboration across species and disciplines. The session topics and oral presentations are briefly described for all invited speakers.

Recent advances in cattle functional genomics and their application to beef quality

“…Functional genomics therefore describes a new scientific field mid way between genetics and physiology. The current challenge for biological research is to integrate structural and functional genomics (Tuggle et al, 2006) and also to associate data from the different '-omic' sciences with phenotypic data (Hocquette, 2005). This process is facilitated by rapid developments in computational biology or bioinformatics, which has followed the rapid expansion in genomic research.…”

La révolution génomique concerne aussi le bovin

“…Son objectif est de « mettre le vivant en équations » pour donner un sens aux données biologiques. Les besoins en informatique sont aujourd'hui proportionnels à la capacité des chercheurs à étudier la complexité biologique des êtres vivants à partir de la connaissance de leur génome (Tuggle et al, 2006) ( figure 3). L'ambition actuelle des bioinformaticiens est de construire des modèles biologiques qui permettraient de simuler l'organisation et la dynamique des cellules vivantes.…”

“…En raison de l'enjeu pour la santé humaine, le principal financeur ( Au fur et à mesure du développement de la génomique, les questions de recherche relatives au traitement des données deviennent plus complexes. Ainsi, l'intégration des données biologiques est de plus en plus dépendante des outils bioinformatiques (Tuggle et al, 2006).…”

UniPrime: a workflow-based platform for improved universal primer design

“…Researchers are faced with vast quantities of molecular data that can only be stored, analysed and mined with appropriate computer-based algorithms and programs. Subsequently, the bioinformatics software used to mine these data are also increasing exponentially (4). …”

“…107/5000 mammals either sequenced, in the process or accepted to be sequenced (11,12). Therefore, smaller comparative genomic projects that target key genes in key taxa (4) will still play a large role in future comparative studies. Good primer design is a crucial step in any comparative genomics project and ensures specificity and efficiency of target amplification, necessary to achieve reliable PCR results.…”