Robotics, Computing, And Biology - An Interdisciplinary Approach To The Analysis Of Complex Genomes

A staggering amount of genetic information is contained within the DNA of complex organisms such as humans. Of these vast tracts of DNA code, only very small regions actually constitute the 'genes'; with the information ultimately translated into proteins, the basic machinery of cells. However, a complex organism has a cell or tissue type and developmental specific pattern of gene expression which interact in complex networks within and between these cells or tissues. Such a combination of vast tracts of genomic DNA, tissue and developmental specific transcription of small subsets of this information, plus complex interactions between gene products provides a daunting scientific and logistical challenge if a global picture of gene function within complex organisms is to be obtained. This objective can be achieved only through an interdisciplinary combination of biology, computer image analysis, and robotic engineering. The development of a global approach to the understanding of complex genomes is not just an academic challenge. For example, the ability to understand the complex network of gene interactions, or to be able rapidly to screen many genetic samples in parallel, would have enormous consequences for the pharmaceutical and diagnostic industries. The systems described are used in several genetic screening or drug discovery centres that require rapid, reliable, high density screening of small quantities of biological or biologically active material.