Proteomics 2005, 5, 3823 3823

Book Review

Applying Genomic and

Proteomic Microarray

Technology in Drug

Discovery

Robert S. MatsonCRC Press,2004, 256 pagesISBN: 0-8493-1469-0

With the sequence information of acontinuously growing number of ge-nomes, combined with increasingknowledge within the field of proteom-ics, biology is changing from a hypoth-esis-driven science into an information-based science. As a result, there is anincreasingly urgent need for appropri-ate research tools for global analyticalapproaches. Microarray technologies,in combination with sophisticatedbioinformatics platforms, allow scien-tists to analyse genes and proteins on alarge scale and to take a global view ofbiological systems. Within the lastdecade, microarray technology haschanged from an emerging technologydeveloped and used by a few labora-tories to a well established technologyused all over the world. Although DNAmicroarrays are familiar research toolsand provide a wealth of informationabout the transcriptome and DNAalterations, it is proteins not genes thatare the targets for drugs. Therefore,there is an increasing demand for pro-tein microarrays to identify and quan-tify proteins and to study protein func-tion. This highly informative book,written by a leader in the field, providesan overview of microarray technologyin drug discovery.

The book starts with a chapter onquantitative biology, the “omics” era.Microarrays are genomic and proteom-ic technologies, which are being inte-grated into pharmaceutical research atdifferent levels. They are used in the

drug discovery process and target iden-tification, validation of drug candidatesas well as in patient monitoring. Thedifferent microarray applicationsinclude gene expression profiling,SNP/polymorphism screening, geno-typing, protein expression profiling,and protein function analysis are alldescribed and their potential applica-tion within the drug discovery processis discussed. Chapter 2 contains awealth of information on the variety ofcommercial available microarrays.There is a detailed description aboutthe different microarray formats, thedifferent platforms ranging from in situarrays and spotted arrays, flow-throughand electronic biochips. The futureopportunities of DNA, protein and tis-sue and cell microarrays are described.The third chapter discusses supportsand surface chemistries and provides avery comprehensive summary aboutthe different substrates used for DNAand protein microarrays. In contrast tothe well established methods for theattachment of nucleic acid onto micro-arrays, within the field of proteinmicroarray technology there is still a lotof room for improvements. For anti-body microarrays, appropriate solu-tions are available and immobilisationprocedures are established which pre-serve the function of the immobilisedcapture molecules. However, not everyprotein behaves identically in a partic-ular substrate – new approaches have tobe identified. Chapter four describesthe arraying processes for contact andnon-contact printing of DNA and pro-teins. Protocols for printing DNA andproteins are provided together with adiscussion of relevant parameters likeprinting buffers, mechanical and envi-ronmental issues, which influences thequality of the printed microarrays. Thelast two chapters are dedicated toapplications of DNA microarrays in thedrug discovery processes (chapter 5)and to applications of protein micro-arrays (chapter 6).

This book provides a wealth ofinformation for scientists involved inbasic and applied research. The funda-mental principles of microarray tech-nology are given, as well as a discussionof the strengths and limitations ofmicroarray technology. The descriptionand evaluation of the applications ofmicroarrays in genomic and proteomicapplications in drug discovery anddevelopment provides an excellentoverview to this exciting new field. Thebook contains one weakness, in that itdoes not include bead-based systems,as very interesting alternatives to planarmicroarrays, especially when looking atlow density applications.

In summary, the book, ApplyingGenomic and Proteomic MicroarrayTechnology in Drug Discovery, is agood resource for any researcher in theacademic or private sector who wants toapply microarray approaches in thelaboratory. The readers are providedwith a variety of detailed methods andprotocols. However, the field of micro-array technology is still very dynamicand no single technology or applicationis fulfilling all demands of the market.Already established technical approach-es and solutions have failed to beaccepted by the market. Furthermore,the reader should be aware, that newapproaches will be developed to providesolutions to existing needs. For specificapplications such as miniaturisedsandwich immunoassays, there areready to use alternative solutionsalready commercially available. Thismust be kept in mind and be carefullyanalysed by each researcher for eachspecific application. This book providesa broad overview about DNA and pro-tein microarrays for applications withinthe drug discovery process.

Thomas JoosUniversity of TuebingenTübingen, Germany

2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim www.proteomics-journal.de