The sequencing of the Entamoeba histolytica genome, as well as the development of genome-wide techniques to allow study of gene expression, has led to many advances in our understanding of the biology of this parasite. Recent work used genomic technologies (DNA microarrays and proteomics) to study important aspects of amebic biology, including pathogenesis, host interaction, phagocytosis, stage conversion, responses to stressful stimuli, and mechanisms of gene regulation. These studies identify pathways involved in regulating major functions in this important human pathogen.

from Anaerobic Parasitic Protozoa: Genomics and Molecular Biology

Further reading:

• Anaerobic Parasitic Protozoa
• Acanthamoeba: Biology and Pathogenesis
• Leishmania: After The Genome

Labels: Amebic biology, DNA microarrays, Proteomics

Microbial ecology is currently experiencing a renaissance spurred by the rapid development of molecular techniques and "omics" technologies in particular. As never before, these tools have allowed researchers in the field to produce a massive amount of information through in situ measurements and analysis of natural microbial communities, both vital approaches to the goal of unraveling the interactions of microbes with their environment and with one another. While genomics can provide information regarding the genetic potential of microbes, proteomics characterizes the primary end-stage product, proteins, thus conveying functional information concerning microbial activity.

Advances in mass spectrometry instrumentation and methodologies, along with bioinformatics approaches, have brought this analytic chemistry technique to relevance in the biological realm due to its powerful applications in proteomics. Mass spectrometry-enabled proteomics, including "bottom-up" and "top-down" approaches, is capable of supplying a wealth of biologically-relevant information, from simple protein cataloging of the proteome of a microbial community to identifying post-translational modifications of individual proteins.

from Brian D. Dill, Jacque C. Young, Patricia A. Carey and Nathan C. VerBerkmoes in Environmental Molecular Microbiology

Further reading:

• Environmental Molecular Microbiology
• Metagenomics: Theory, Methods and Applications
• Environmental Microbiology

Labels: Bioinformatics, genomics, Mass spectrometry, Metaproteomics, microbial communities, Microbial community, microbial ecology, Omics technologies, Proteome, Proteomics