title: An integrated systems biology approach to the study of preterm birth using "-omic" technology--a guideline for research.
abstract: Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and perinatal morbidity. The etiology of preterm is multi-factorial and still unclear. As evidence increases for a genetic contribution to PTB, so does the need to explore genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics in its study. This review suggests research guidelines for the conduct of high throughput systems biology investigations into preterm birth with the expectation that this will facilitate the sharing of samples and data internationally through consortia, generating the power needed to study preterm birth using integrated "-omics" technologies. The issues to be addressed include: (1) integrated "-omics" approaches, (2) phenotyping, (3) sample collection, (4) data management-integrative databases, (5) international consortia and (6) translational feasibility. This manuscript is the product of discussions initiated by the "-Omics" Working Group at the Preterm Birth International Collaborative Meeting held at the World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland in April 2009.
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Gracie
authors: Craig
authors: C
authors: Pennell
authors: Gunvor
authors: G
authors: Ekman-Ordeberg
authors: Stephen
authors: S
authors: Lye
authors: James
authors: J
authors: McManaman
authors: Scott
authors: S
authors: Williams
authors: Lyle
authors: L
authors: Palmer
authors: Maureen
authors: M
authors: Kelley
authors: Ram
authors: R
authors: Menon
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Gravett
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature; D011247:Pregnancy; D040901:Proteomics / Q000379:methods; D012107:Research Design