Encroaching genomics: adapting large-scale science to small academic laboratories

The process of conducting biological research is undergoing a profound meta morphosis due to the technological innovations and torrent of information r esulting from the execution of multiple species genome projects. The furthe r tasks of mapping polymorphisms and characterizing genome-wide protein-pro tein interaction (the characterization of the proteome) will continue to ga rner resources, talent, and public attention. Although some elements of the se whole genome size projects can only be addressed by large research group s, consortia, or industry, the impact of these projects has already begun t o transform the process of research in many small laboratories. Although th e impact of this transformation is generally positive, laboratories engaged in types of research destined to be dominated by the efforts of a genomic consortium may be negatively impacted if they cannot rapidly adjust strateg ies in the face of new large-scale competition. The focus of this report is to outline a series of strategies that have been productively utilized by a number of small academic laboratories that have attempted to integrate su ch genomic resources into research plans with the goal of developing novel physiological insights.