The symphony of gene regulation

Genomes of even the simplest of organisms are comprised of many genes, the units of genetic information that are stored in the DNA code. One of the biggest challenges in the post-genomic era is to infer biological function from DNA sequence. A genome is like a musical composition. It is comprised of many parts, some of which are played at the same time while others must be played at different times. Therefore, the correct execution of a symphony requires an orchestra to play in harmony - the score dictates ‘who’ plays ‘what’ and most importantly ‘when’. Likewise, the observed complexity of biological functioning lies in the way genes are directed and organized. The functioning of a single gene only makes sense when we take into account ‘when’ the gene is active and ‘whom’ it interacts with.
In order to advance our understanding of gene regulation (when?) and gene interaction (with whom?) we have studied two different biological systems: Infection of the human host with HIV-1 and transcriptional regulation in baker’s yeast.