Catalyzing the breakthrough of ecogenomics

Researcher: Nico van Straalen

Email the Author

Project runs from 30 November 1999 to 30 November 1999

Added on April 18, 2003

Introduction:

Genomics is defined as the large scale sequencing of plant, animal and microbial genomes and the large-scale analysis of gene expressions, using techniques such as DNA-microarrays. Up to now, genomics approaches have been limited mostly to medical and agricultural applications. I believe, however, that the genomics revolution will also offer new possibilities to address questions of ecology and evolution in a way that was not possible before. For example: can we understand the syndrome of adaptations to new environmental conditions (including trade-offs between life-history traits) from the interactions between gene functions throughout the genome? Can we develop microarrays that will signal stress in ecosystems from gene expression profiles?

Aim:

To use the exciting new possibilities offered by genomics technology and insights to deepen our understanding of living organisms in the environment.

Research:

Dick Roelofs and I have developed a textbook "An Introduction to Ecological Genomics", which appeared with Oxford University Press, March 2006. This book defines the field and indicates its main aims, it discusses the ecology of genomic model species and the prospects of non-models, it details technological platforms and molecular methodologies to solve ecological questions, it discusses specific branches of ecological genomics, such as metagenomics and ecotoxicogenomics, and it presents a variety of studies illustrating how ecological questions can be solved by genomics approaches (nutrient cycles in the environment, life-history patterns and trade-offs, phenotypic plasticity, and responses to herbivory, pathogens and stress). There is also a chapter on integrated approaches including systems biology.

Future Research

Use ecogenomics approaches to assess the living soil.

Web page

http://www.bio.vu.nl/do

Funding via University

Yes

Research Group

VU - Animal Ecology