Integrative physiology, functional genomics and the phenotype gap: a guide for comparative physiologists.

Area of Science:

• Comparative Physiology
• Functional Genomics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Classical physiology faces funding challenges due to a shift towards molecular approaches and strategic research.
• Zoology and Animal Science departments experience stress maintaining research funding despite high student numbers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To redefine integrative physiology as the investigation of gene function within an organotypic context in intact animals.
• To align integrative physiology with functional genomics and reverse genetics.
• To address the phenotype gap in genetic model organisms and highlight the need for functional biologists.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing transgenics and reverse genetics for cell-specific gene function manipulation.
• Employing genetically tractable model organisms for research.
• Investigating gene function in an organotypic context within the intact animal.

Main Results:

• The proposed redefinition integrates comparative physiology with functional genomics.
• Reverse genetics is crucial for elucidating the function of novel genes.
• Functional skills of comparative physiologists are essential for post-genomic research.

Conclusions:

• Embracing the integrative physiology manifesto can accelerate research and secure funding.
• Comparative physiologists with functional genomics skills are indispensable in the post-genomic era.
• Redefining integrative physiology bridges the gap between classical studies and modern genomics.