Microbial Genomics New Zealand
What is Microbial Genomics?
Microbial Genomics is the study of the genes of a microbial cell at the DNA (genotype), mRNA (transcriptome), protein (proteome) or metabolite (metabolome) levels. The recent improvements in high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies have allowed microbial genomes to be sequenced quickly and inexpensively. There are more than 706 microbial genomes completed and over 2055 genome and metagenome projects are in progress (www.genomesonline.org). Microbial genomics promises a better understanding of the biology of the microorganisms involved in disease (to identify targets for new drugs, vaccines and specific DNA sequences for diagnostic purposes) and in industrial, agricultural and environmental processes (for better understanding of the microbial component of these processes and to identify new biotechnology applications).
A genome sequence is basically a "parts lists" of the genes of an organism, but the function of many of the parts is not known. The biggest challenge to microbial genomics is the assignment of functions to the many new genes that are discovered. Therefore the advances in genome sequencing have been paralleled by the development of supporting "omics" technologies (transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) that serve to elucidate the function of newly identified genes.
Microbial Genomics Network
The Microbial Genomics Network was initiated to foster microbial genomics-based research in New Zealand. This will be achieved through formal linkages between AgResearch, the University of Auckland, the University of Waikato, Massey University and Victoria University of Wellington that will:
- establish a world class microbial genomics programme
- train postgraduate students in microbial genomic techniques
- provide research capability in genome sequencing, assembly and closure and expertise in functional analysis of microbial genes with biotechnology potential
The Microbial Genomics Network is centred around AgResearch's Microbial Genomics Team, located within the Food, Metabolism and Microbiology section at the Grasslands Research centre in Palmerston North. This team represents a multidisciplinary genomics-focused group of researchers that supports high quality genomic research into microbes important to both New Zealand and the international environment.