The microarray revolution

Abstract

In recent years, microarray analysis has become a key experimental tool, enabling the analysis of genomewide\rpatterns of gene expression. This review approaches the microarray revolution with a focus upon four\rtopics: 1) the early development of this technology and its application to cancer diagnostics; 2) a primer of\rmicroarray research, designed to guide the beginner; 3) a highlight of the Genome Consortium for Active\rTeaching (GCAT), a worldwide consortium of faculty who are integrating microarrays into the undergraduate\rteaching laboratory; and 4) the use of microarrays in the biotechnology industry with a look forward\rto future applications. A central theme within this review is the profound relevance of new, bioinformaticsbased,\rtechnologies to undergraduate students within the biosciences.