About this Research Topic

Background

Integrative analysis in simple terms is extracting information from heterogeneous data potentially sourced from multiple platforms. In many fields of studies, this would involve pooling data from independent sources to answer questions of interest – this forms a significant proportion of meta-Analysis. Plant metabolism is a complex heterogeneous system that may not be adequately resolved using a single method of study. For example, understanding the nature of metabolites accumulated in plants in response to an environmental condition would be resolved better if the tissue-specific localization of biosynthesis and/or the developmental stage of plants allows for this response to happen.

The combined omics approach supported by visualization methods and others will allow for the development of a higher resolution model of the temporal dynamics of plant metabolism. This will provide a valuable but comprehensive understanding of plant metabolism, specific metabolites, regulation of metabolites and metabolic pathways – all of which work in synergy to produce a specific manifestation in plants.

The goal of this research topic is to explore innovative ways plant scientists all over the world are exploring plant metabolism from an integrative analysis approach.

We welcome all article types published by Frontiers in Plant Science that contribute to the following themes:

• The relationship between metabolite accumulation and plant development – tissue localization and temporal distribution.

• Comprehensive study of metabolite content and corresponding regulation to decipher the mechanism of plant response to stressful or unstressful environment (abiotic and biotic).

• Complementary genomic and metabolomic studies to distinguish plant varieties and valorization of plants

• Comparative combined omics studies to reveal the evolution of metabolic pathways – gain, loss, increase in complexity and/or repurposing of metabolic pathways in plants through domestication and other means.

• The application of the integrative analysis approach in making plant and crop production decisions such as correct harvest periods.

Keywords: Integrative Analysis, Combined Omics, Plant Metabolism, Pathway Evolution, Tissue Localization, Plant Valorization

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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