<atl>Metabolomics and microarrays for improved understanding of phenotypic characteristics controlled by both genomics and environmental constraints

Advances in our understanding of functional genomics are best addressed by integrative studies that include measurements of mRNA, proteins, and low molecular weight metabolites over time and varied conditions. Bioinformatics can then be used to relate this data to the genome. Current technology allows for comprehensive and rapid mRNA expression profiling and mass spectrophotometric measurement of low molecular weight intermediates and metabolic products. In prokaryotic organisms, this combination provides a potentially powerful tool for identifying gene function and regulatory networks even in the absence of a combined proteomic approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]