2.1: Genomics and Microbial Systems

Tap the power of genomics and microbial systems for solutions to our Nation’s energy and environmental challenges.

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After launching the Human Genome Project in the 1980s, the Office of Science was part of an international collaboration that recently finished sequencing the entire human genome. Yet, we have only begun to understand how complex biological systems work— going from single genes to genetic networks to complex biological functions and characteristics, whether in humans or single-celled microbes. We continue to push the frontiers of biology, including the complex systems interactions, by studying microbes that can be used to help us solve DOE mission needs. Microbes have been found in every conceivable environment on Earth, from boiling deep-ocean thermal vents to Arctic ice flows to toxic environments. The remarkable ability of microbes to flourish in extreme conditions demonstrates that they long ago developed systems for novel energy conversion and environmental cleanup. Our challenge is to put those microbes—and their systems of molecular machines that allow them to survive—to work for us. Nature has designed remarkable arrays of multiprotein molecular machines with exquisitely precise and efficient functions and controls. With the help of the DOE Joint Genome Institute, and the future Genomics: GTL facilities, we will uncover the mysteries of biological systems that will enable our Nation’s scientists to harness the power of genomics and microbial systems. Our strategy includes the following emphases: • Decode and compare the genetic instructions of diverse microorganisms by unraveling their DNA sequences to reveal their capabilities for energy production, carbon sequestration, and environmental cleanup. • Discover the molecular machines encoded in each microbe’s genetic instructions, determining what molecular machines are present, what proteins they are made of, where they are found in cells, and how they do their work. • Produce computational models of molecular machines in action to understand the fundamental principles controlling the function of molecular machines and thus biological systems, providing us with knowledge to use or even redesign these machines. • Examine genetic regulatory networks to understand the genetic circuitry in a cell that controls the molecular machines. • Explore the biochemical capabilities of complex microbial communities to fully utilize the potential found in natural microbial communities. • Develop predictive models of complete microbial communities to anticipate how they will behave and change in response to various signals from their environment.

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