Synopsis
Microarrays play an increasingly significant role in drug discovery. Written by a leader in the field, Applying Genomic and Proteomic Microarray Technology in Drug Discovery highlights, describes, and evaluates current scientific research using microarray technology in genomic and proteomic applications. The author addresses the drawbacks, helping you avoid unnecessary pitfalls, and provides practical tips on how to employ the technology in drug discovery and development.
The book details the commercial landscape, covering the many issues surrounding the future adoption of gene expression and protein microarrays for pharmacogenomic and pharmacoproteomic applications. The author critically assesses those studies that have helped define applications in genomics and proteomics, explains gene expression microarray applications, and examines the utility of the protein microarray. He covers alternative substrates and the preparation of various surface chemistries together with their suitability for immobilization of nucleic acids and proteins. He delineates the mechanics of microarraying including environmental conditions, printer and pin performance, as well as discussion regarding setting up the print run. The book supplies protocols for printing nucleic acids and proteins and an in-depth discussion of other important parameters such as print buffers (inks) and factors influencing print quality.
An understanding of the making of a microarray is fundamentally important to those interested in producing "spotted" arrays and their proper use. As this technology expands in popularity and usefulness, industry experts must grasp the fundamental principles behind it, its strengths, and its limitations. A basic reference for users of microarray technology in drug discovery, this book offers a detailed perspective and insight into the present and future uses of this technology.
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Beth Levant, Ph.D.(University of Kansas Medical Center)
Description:This book describes and evaluates current microarray technology used in genomic and proteomic applications.
Purpose:The purpose is to provide a detailed description and offer insight into present and future approaches and utilities for microarray technology. This is a relatively new and evolving field with numerous potential applications. Dr. Matson does a commendable job of summarizing the background, technical details, and comparative evaluation of these technologies in a single book.
Audience:Although a specific audience is not indicated by the author, the book will be of greatest interest and utility to scientists actively involved in the selection, use, or design, development, and production of microarrays. The writing is highly technical and assumes that the reader is conversant in molecular biology and protein biochemistry and their applications as well as the chemistry and physics involved in the production of array platforms. The author, Robert Matson, PhD, is a senior staff scientist in the Advanced Technology Center at Beckman Coulter, Inc., and has been involved in the development of both nucleic acid and protein arrays for the past 13 years. He is thus an authority on this technology.
Features:Dr. Matson begins with an overview of purposes and uses of microarrays and their current and potential applications in pharmacogenomics, drug discovery, and toxicology. Chapter 2 presents an overview of commercial microarrays. This is followed by a discussion of specific substrates and surface chemistries, and the mechanics of preparing microarrays. Protocols for printing nucleic acids and proteins are provide along with in-depth discussion of other important parameters. In Chapter 5, the application of commercially available gene expression microarrays is described and several examples where this application has been used in pharmacogenomics, drug discovery, or toxicology are presented. Finally, Chapter 6 discusses the utility, technical details, and critical parameters of commercially available protein microarrays. All chapters have an extensive reference list. High quality graphics and summary tables aid understanding and thus increase usefulness. All discussion is limited to closed architecture technology platforms. Although the title implies an emphasis on "applying" microarrays in drug discovery, the actual application of these technologies is only touched upon in the first chapter with some examples presented in Chapter 5. It is not a guide to the use of these technologies in the drug discovery process per se, nor is it a "how-to" guide to the use and interpretation of microarrays. It is also likely, that in this rapidly evolving field, many of the technologies discussed may become obsolete in the near future.
Assessment:This is a technically sophisticated, thorough, and detailed assessment of currently available gene and protein microarrays that will be of greatest utility to scientists involved in the development, production, and technical oversight of the implementation of these technologies.