Functional genomics identifies novel and diverse molecular targets of nutrients in vivo

Genomic responses to nutrients are important determinants of physiological and pathological functions of living systems. Many of these responses are mediated by changes in mRNA concentrations that are primarily regulated by gene transcription. Transcriptional networks that regulate the expression and activities of transcription factors and structural genes in response to nutrients need to be defined. The tools of functional genomics and bioinformatics offer powerful means to address these needs. The application of global mRNA profiling tools to define genomewide responses to nutrients and micronutrients with a primary focus on in vivo genomic responses of vital organs of laboratory mice is reviewed here. The studies show that major and minor nutrients affect the expression of mRNAs that are related to aging and inflammation, and chemically diverse micronutrients such as polyphenols and tocopherols may exert their effects through modulating the expression of functionally related genes.