Current status of systems biology in Aspergilli

Abstract

In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the current status of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and metabolic modeling in Aspergillus species. Currently, 13 Aspergillus genomes divided across seven species have been sequenced with more to come, and many applications of this information on a systems level have been published. More than 30 studies on global transcription analysis have been published, and 21 different platforms are available for Aspergillus transcription studies. Additionally, the fields of proteomics and metabolomics have, while still in their infancy, produced intriguing results and novel applications. Finally, multiple levels of Aspergillus metabolism have been reconstructed and modelled. Systems-level research of Aspergilli have in a few years added to our knowledge on processes relevant to evolution, central and secondary metabolism, cellular organization, pathogenicity and biotechnology and future efforts may lead to much improved understanding of regulation of key cellular processes in this important family of filamentous fungi.