“Omics” and Biomedical Applications

Extensive research has shown that data generated by the various omic technologies represent a unique resource for biologists. This chapter explores how classical approaches to study biological processes, such as those used in chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, and genetics, intersect with the new omics technologies to advance the understanding of biological systems by examination of case studies of general interest for researchers. It explores the development of simple and robust methods for understanding the meaning of omics data in biomedical sciences. The chapter highlights that instead of looking at one potential biomarker at a time, the new techniques in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and glycomics have allowed researchers to identify patterns in the changes of many genes and compounds that correlate with disease state. Mass spectrometry (MS) and spectroscopic techniques are the key analytical platforms on which the emerging omics technologies are based.