The mosquito genome--a breakthrough for public health

The Anopheles gambiae genome sequence will accelerate identification of new insect vector target genes leading to improved strategies for malaria control.     

The Plasmodium falciparum genome--a blueprint for erythrocyte invasion

Erythrocyte invasion by Plasmodium falciparum involves multiple ligand-receptor interactions and numerous apparent redundancies. The genome sequence of this parasite reveals new gene families encoding proteins that appear to mediate erythrocyte invasion.     

Genomics. Microarrays--guilt by association

DNA microarray analysis has provided a wealth of data on global patterns of gene expression but has yet to deliver on its early promise of identifying networks of interacting gene products. In his Perspective, Quackenbush discusses new work (Stuart et al.) that uses evolutionary conservation of gene expression patterns in yeast, worm, fruit fly, and human in an attempt to identify functionally related groups of genes.     

Genomics. Plant biology in 2010

The completion of the Arabidopsis sequence will be followed by a new ten-year project that will determine the function of all angiosperm genes. Funding for the U.S. component of this multinational project will originate from a new initiative from the U.S. National Science Foundation called the 2010 Project. Progress toward completion of this ambitious project will necessitate significant changes in how the plant biology community selects and approaches research objectives. The plan envisions that the project will facilitate the development of a computational model of a virtual plant that will allow predictive queries about basic mechanisms underlying plant growth and development.