A genomics-based approach to biodefence preparedness

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Abstract
Since October 2001, the United States has greatly expanded its commitment to biodefence-related research, with $1.75 billion earmarked for this activity in fiscal year 2003. The goals of this accelerated research and development effort are to understand better the biology of potential bioterror agents and to use this information in the development of new diagnostics, antibiotics and vaccines to protect the world's population against bioterrorism. Genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics approaches are considered to be key enabling technologies in the development of these new products. Genome sequence data for all of the principal human pathogens, including most of the potential bioterror agents on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) category A–C lists, are available in public databases and provide a new foundation for follow-up studies. Comparative genomics approaches, together with large-scale methods for studying gene function, such as DNA microarrays, are providing insights into the molecular basis and evolution of pathogenicity, diversity within closely related isolates of the same pathogen and the molecular determinants of host–pathogen interactions. Genomics-based approaches have already proven to be of great use in the identification of new targets for antimicrobial compounds and in the identification of new vaccine candidates. Comparative genomics is also providing important information on the natural variability between closely related isolates that is aiding in the development of the new field of microbial forensics.