Page 40 - FoodFocusThailand No.234 September 2025

SPECIAL FOCUS

Transcriptomics: Reading the Language of Gene
Expression
While genomics shows the potential encoded in our
DNA, it does not reveal which genes are active at any
given time. That’s where transcriptomics comes in. This
field studies RNA transcripts—molecules that act as
messengers, carrying genetic instructions from DNA to the
cell’s protein factories where proteins are synthesized. In
nutrition science, transcriptomic analysis reveals how specific
foods or nutrients influence gene activity. For example, plant
polyphenols may upregulate genes involved in antioxidant
defense, while high-glycemic diets may activate genes
related to fat storage. By mapping these shifts in gene
expression, researchers can design diet plans that encourage
beneficial molecular pathways. Advances in high-throughput
sequencing now enable scientists to track thousands of gene
expression changes simultaneously, offering deep insights
into diet–gene interactions. Metabolomics: Mapping the Chemical Fingerprint
Proteomics: Decoding the Body’s Functional of Nutrition
Machinery Metabolomics takes the analysis one step further by
If transcriptomics reveals the body’s plans by showing studying small molecules—metabolites—that are the
which genes are activated, proteomics shows what’s actually end products of metabolism. These include amino acids,
happening inside cells. Proteins are the workhorses of the sugars, fatty acids, vitamins, and many other compounds
body—they perform nearly all biological functions, from that reflect a person’s current metabolic state. Metabolomic
breaking down nutrients to regulating immune responses. data can detect early imbalances or deficiencies before
Proteomic profiling in nutrigenomics examines how dietary symptoms arise. For example, unusual lipid patterns
components alter protein abundance, structure, and function. may indicate cardiovascular risk, while certain amino
For instance, a Mediterranean-style diet may increase levels acid profiles can reveal metabolic inefficiencies affecting
of anti-inflammatory proteins, while certain amino acid recovery or performance. When combined with genomic,
imbalances might signal muscle breakdown in athletes. transcriptomic, and proteomic data, metabolomics creates
Proteomics also tracks post-translational modifications— a detailed, multi-layered picture of how diet affects health,
chemical changes to proteins after they are produced—which enabling truly precise nutrition recommendations.
can significantly affect their activity. This information reveals
the real-time physiological effects of diet at the functional Expanding the Omics Horizon: More Than Just
level. the Big Four
Microbiomics: Expanding the Multi-Omics
Landscape
Microbiomics, while part of the broader omics family,
differs by focusing on the gut’s microbial ecosystem
rather than human cells alone. Alongside genomics,
transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—which
analyze human DNA, gene expression, proteins,
and metabolites—microbiomics studies the diverse
microorganisms living within us. Together, these fields
form a comprehensive multi-omics approach, integrating
human and microbial data to deepen personalized nutrition
and health insights.

Wearable Biosensors & Real-Time Precision
Nutrition
Omics technologies unlock a deep understanding of your
genetic and molecular makeup—but the next leap is real-
time: wearable biosensors that unobtrusively track markers
like glucose, heart rate, and body temperature. When AI

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