DNA MICROARRAY APPLICATIONS
June 14 - 21, 2005
Application Deadline: March 15, 2005

Instructors:
Arkady Khodursky, University of Minnesota
Jason Lieb, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Coleen Murphy, Princeton University

DNA microarrays are simple, inexpensive and versatile tools for experimental exploration of genome structure, gene expression programs, gene function, and cell and organismal biology. In this hands-on eight-day course, students will be introduced to various applications of DNA microarray technology. Using whole-genome spotted DNA microarrays as a platform, students will learn to design and carry out the procedures required for DNA microarray hybridization experiments, including: fluorescent probe preparation, nucleic acid amplification, microarray manipulation, image acquisition and processing, visualization and interpretation of high-dimensional transcriptional data, and data storage and retrieval. In addition to learning the techniques involved in microarray experiments, we will also discuss the basics of multivariate data analysis, the basics of statistical inference and classification, and, most importantly, biological interpretation of microarray experiments.

Experimental applications covered in the course will include systematic studies of global gene expression programs, inferring gene function using microarrays, genome-wide DNA-protein interactions, and measuring changes in gene copy number. Guest lecturers will present the state-of-the-art in new technology, experimental applications, and interpretation of genome-wide datasets from a systems biology perspective. Students who complete this course should be equipped with the practical and theoretical skills to introduce or apply DNA microarray technology at their own laboratories or institutions.

Speakers last year included:
David Botstein, Princeton University
Gary Churchill, The Jackson Laboratory
Elva Diaz, UC Davis
Coleen Murphy, UCSF
Gavin Sherlock, Stanford University
Michael Whitfield, Dartmouth Medical School

A supplemental course on microarray data analysis is also planned (June 21 - 26). Preference for attendance on this course will be given to students accepted into the DNA microarray applications course, but applicants may apply to this supplemental course on a stand-alone basis.

This course is supported with funds provided by the National Cancer Institute