Random Arrays for Gene Expression Profiling

DESCRIPTION: (provided by applicant)
The project aims to further develop a novel and highly innovative technology
for gene expression profiling. The technology is based on arrays of beads
assembled in the ends of fiber optic bundles. The individual beads carry
nucleic acid probes. The arrays can attain extremely high packing densities,
approximately 1,000 times that of conventional microarrays, and therefore have
very high information content. This proposal's specific aims relate to
scaling up the technology developed during Phase I into a practical, cost-
effective tool for measuring RNA transcript levels. The aims are to increase
very substantially the number of unique probes that can be represented on a
randomly addressed fiber optic microarray; to use this capacity to develop
arrays for comprehensive analysis of gene expression in mouse; and to test the
array system side-by-side with conventional array technology. The highly
miniaturized, high-capacity arrays are expected to be a cost-effective tool
for expression analysis of the mouse genome. The methods and technology will
be applicable to the rapid development of arrays for gene expression analysis
of other organisms.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: NOT AVAILABLE