Anatomic genomics: Systems of genes supporting the biology of systems

This essay lays the groundwork for the concept that "anatomy" in the new mi llennium will be a subject that is increasingly based on understanding the parallel relationships between systems of genes on chromosomes and the stru ctures defined by these genes. The concept of Anatomic Genomics is introduc ed in terms of systems of genes on chromosomes, which actually mirror the b iology of anatomically defined systems. A case is made for the possibility that genomes may be structured in ways that make local but not necessarily global sense. In the new millennium, systems biologists have the opportunit y to be the creators and purveyors of this new anatomy. Anat Rec 259:fmiii- ix, 2000. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.