From genomics to epigenomics: a loftier view of life

One of the goals of the human genome project (HGP) is to generate reference data on which to base further studies to explain life in all its complexity. With about 30% of the HGP completed, the time has come to initiate such studies. In the past few years, we have seen functional genomics and then pharmacogenomics each become established as a discipline in its own right. Earlier this year, the new single-nucleotide polymorphism consortium was born to take comparative genomic studies to a new level. Finally, a number of companies have begun to offer large-scale gene expression maps. Although each of these areas of inquiry is fruitful in itself, we believe none will answer the most important questions about the genetic underpinnings of life.

In a commentary in this journal, Strohmann¹ defined epigenesis as one system that provides explanations for the complex functional attributes of cells and organisms, a set of "informational systems and operating rules" that complement genes and genomes. In the same month, Jones and Laird² argued that it may now be time to include epigenetics in efforts toward global functional analysis.