Molecular genetics proteomics

Since 1988, the methods that we use to isolate cDNAs of alkaloid biosynthesis have become ever more facile and sensitive, allowing for more efficient cDNA identification. We do not, however, yet understand enough about the cellular localization of alkaloid formation or about the nature of the catalysts to move completely away from enzymology and biochemistry and to use only molecular genetic techniques to dissect these biosynthetic pathways. Even our most recently successful cDNA isolations and identifications involved classical protein purification. We are beginning now to use proteomics and EST sequencing to identify natural product biosynthetic cDNAs, but these approaches are more feasible when a specialized cell/tissue type in which secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways are active, can be isolated and used as a protein or RNA source. 

Journal of Proteome Research (ACS Pubs) Molecular Genetics and Genomics (Springer) Pharmacogenomics Journal (Nature Publishing Group)... 

The integration of genomics, proteomics, cytomics, structural and functional biology. Studies of networks and multi-gene traits at the molecular, genetic, biochemical, cellular and organism levels. 

Proteomics, on the other hand, is the application of molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics to study the structures and functions of proteins expressed by cells. Unhke the genome, which is reasonably static, the proteome changes constantly in response to intra- and extracellular signals. As proteins are vital to our cells and the biological pathways, an in-depth understanding of proteomics would help to elucidate the processes of disease and to devise means to counteract errant cells and processes. 

If this succeeds, schistosomes may be close to becoming a model for parasitic trema-todes. This would allow researchers to further develop and optimize techniques for the genetic modification of other parasitic flat-worms of medical or economic relevance. The combination of modern molecular approaches such as genomics, proteomics and transgenics, with classical disciplines such as systematics,... 

Rather than knowledge of the molecular mechanism of action leading us to uncover resistant strains of worms, it is much more likely that the resistant strains of worms could lead us to knowledge of the molecular mechanism of action. Genetic or proteomic analysis of worms with diminished response could point to the molecules critical to praziquantel function. 

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