摘要
人类基因组计划即将完成。在后基因组时代,蛋白质结构与功能的研究已经成为生命科学基础研究前沿中最活跃、最高产的领域之一。虽然基因组的序列作为信息库拥有大量的、重要的生物信息资源,但并不是基因本身,而是基因组所编码的蛋白质才能够直接参与和指导绝大多数的生物学过程。毫无疑问,只有阐明蛋白质的作用机理,才能够真正理解基因的功能。蛋白质结构与功能关系的揭示将有助于人类对于如生殖、发育、疾病等生命活动的基本机理的了解;同时,将对于人类疾病的防治和药物的发明具有重要的指导意义。
We will soon gain access to the complete human genome sequence at the beginning of the 21st century. In the new' post genome era' , the study of structure and function of proteins, which are encoded by the genome, will become one of the most active and productive frontier research areas in life sciences. Although the genome sequence is a powerful and comprehensive source of information that will be proved to be useful in numerous ways, it is the set of encoded proteins and not the genes themselves that direct most biological processes. In other words, we have to understand the way in which proteins work if we want to fully comprehend the function of the genome. The study will provide us with insight into basic fundamental concepts of human life such as fertilization, development, disease, etc. In particular, this work will provide vital clues for the prevention of human diseases as well in the development of lead compounds that could be useful as chemotherapeutics.
出处
《中国基础科学》
2000年第4期8-11,共4页
China Basic Science
