It is the expression of a set of genes in a particular cell type which defines the function of that cell. The pattern of gene expression can change, for example during development or as a result of mutation or disease, so that analysis of altered expression profiles provides fundamental information on basic biological processes. However, understanding how such changes come about requires knowledge of factors that control gene expression as well as the functions of the individual protein products. Assigning function to a protein depends strongly on knowing its precise composition and 3-dimensional structure.
Functional proteomics leads in turn to a deeper understanding of physiological processes.
Such genome to proteome studies rely on some sophisticated technology now in place on this campus, that can be applied to the study of any tissue or organism. A number of proven investigators are embracing these new technologies with the common goal of understanding or manipulating gene expression. In addition to using common methodologies, members of this theme share a similar intellectual approach to the analysis of genes and proteins, irrespective of the great diversity of organisms under study.