Tree Omics and Biotechnology in China

Omics is becoming a comprehensive approach to study the molecules in living organisms. In this paper, the progress of research in tree genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and other biotechnologies in China is summarized. Genomics, including functional genomics, structural genomics and comparative genomics, have been studied since the 1990s and some important achievements have been made by Chinese scientists. The hottest research area already has changed from structural genomics to functional genomics, as more genes have been isolated and their functions explored. Transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics work are carried out in Chinese trees in recent years and some useful results have been obtained. As more data from transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics are obtained, much more bioinformatics and investigative work will be needed to infer the functions of genes, to further elucidate key genes in responsive pathways, as well as to understand metabolic networks. Compared to research in crop plants, more efforts in the omics and biotechnology of trees need to be made in the future in China.