Microarrays and the BPFG
The functional genomics focus of the group extends far beyond their use for the investigation of bacterial pathogenesis and physiology. We are generally interested in broad / systems aspects of the control of gene expression and the behaviour of biological systems generally, and see the general and specific approaches / frameworks to be mutually cross-informative and synergistic. Indeed, the differences that are seen between the behaviours of very different biological systems are frequently very illuminating of the essential natures and differences between them.
Microarrays are a tool that we exploit in our functional genomics research, and it is an area in which we have developed our expertise over several years. Used well, and in the appropriate experimental settings, they are an extremely useful and important experimental tool. Used badly, they are a nightmare!
Microarray book:
Frequently / normally the questions and concepts that are discussed at the inception of projects using microarrays are common and repeated. Microarray books also tend to be either very (needlessly) large, focussed mostly upon their fabrication or upon the statistical details of analysis, and don't focus upon what people approaching these experiments most need to know. To address this, I have written a (comparatively short and cheap) book entitled: Meaningful Microarrays. Which will be available from Amazon, or from bookshops soon (ISBN: 978-1-905524-++ -+)
Information on these tools is available as follows:
How we normally work on collaborative microarray projects
BPFG Microarray Infrastructure
Microarrays currently available
Terms of use for BPFG microarrays
If you are interested in using our microarray tools, or developing a new project in this area, then you are encouraged to contact Dr Nigel Saunders.