The potent combination of classic microbiological techniques, proteomics, and genomics must be recognized. Lab culture of microorganisms, when linked with genomic analysis and the use of proteomics, represents a continuum of knowledge about the adaptations of microbes to their changing environments. Intersections of these three investigative paths may provide crucial information for identifying novel metabolites, pathogens, and for characterizing environmental remediation needs.

Unfortunately, proteomic methods are not yet high throughput and are fairly costly when considering analyses of an entire genome. As these technologies develop, especially at the national laboratories, it will be important for proteomics to be integrated into marine biomedical and environmental research programs.

Genomic studies are not always hypothesis driven; their fields are exploratory. The technology enables scientists to generate data from which hypotheses can be formulated and tested. This exploration activity should be considered an asset because of its potential to increase our knowledge base, and it should not be considered a liability, particularly in the review of proposals incorporating genomics and proteomics technologies. It is important to make certain, however, that genomic and proteomic data are publicly available, and in a useful form so that the data can be used for hypothesis-driven research. Therefore, it is important that genomic and proteomic databases be developed, maintained, and made available as research tools.

• Incorporate genome sequencing, proteomics, and bioinformatics with nonculture-based methods to survey diverse marine environments and improve screening methods for uncultured microbes.

• Ensure that high-throughput sequencing and informatics facilities are available to the marine biotechnology research community.

• Develop a community-wide consensus on model organisms for genome sequencing, and develop both a priority list and a “wish” list.

• Develop arrays for determining differences among the genomes of different organisms.

Front Matter (R1-R12)

Executive Summary (1-2)

Biomedical Applicaions of Marine Natural Products: Overview of the 2001 Workshop (3-28)

Environmental Aspects of Marine Biotechnology: Overview of the 1999 Workshop (29-36)

Keynote Address (37-44)

Session 1: Drug Discovery and Development (45-64)

Session 2: Genomics and Proteomics (65-68)

Session 3: Biomaterials and Bioengineering (69-86)

Session 4: Public Policy, Partnerships, and Outreach (87-100)

Appendix A: Committee and Staff Biographical Sketches (101-105)

Appendix B: National Research Council Project Oversight Boards (106-108)

Appendix C: 2001 Marine Biotechnology Workshop: Biomedical Applications of Marine Natural Products - Agenda (109-113)

Appendix D: 2001 Marine Biotechnology Workshop: Biomedical Applications of Marine Natural Products - Participants (114-115)

Appendix E: 1999 Marine Biotechnology Workshop: Opportunities for Advancement of Environmental Marine Biotechnology - Participants (116-118)