Generalizing genetical genomics: getting added value from environmental perturbation

Trends Genet. 2008 Oct;24(10):518-24. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2008.08.001. Epub 2008 Sep 4.

Abstract

Genetical genomics is a useful approach for studying the effect of genetic perturbations on biological systems at the molecular level. However, molecular networks depend on the environmental conditions and, thus, a comprehensive understanding of biological systems requires studying them across multiple environments. We propose a generalization of genetical genomics, which combines genetic and sensibly chosen environmental perturbations, to study the plasticity of molecular networks. This strategy forms a crucial step toward understanding why individuals respond differently to drugs, toxins, pathogens, nutrients and other environmental influences. Here we outline a strategy for selecting and allocating individuals to particular treatments, and we discuss the promises and pitfalls of the generalized genetical genomics approach.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Environment*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Genetics, Population / methods
  • Genomics / methods*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Quantitative Trait Loci