The Human Genome Project is the first step in understanding genetic variations to disease. However, rapid methods are required for robust screening for polymorphisms and mutations. These newly developed sequence analysis techniques must be able to determine what genes are present, and the quantity of genetic material over large regions of the genome. In addition, such methods will need to involve sample extraction, amplification and detection in order to be carried out rapidly and reproducibly.
High density oligonucleotide arrays, the GeneChip, provide a parallel monitoring technique for examining large amounts of genetic information. The presentation will examine applications of the arrays in re-sequencing, genotyping, gene expression and mapping. In addition, we will discuss the development of miniaturized integrated nucleic acid devices used in conjunction with the arrays that allow for rapid, integrated sample preparation including nucleic acid extraction, amplication, fluorescent labeling hybridization and detection.