DNA microarray analysis of ageing muscle

Biological science is on the verge of a technological revolution. DNA microarrays or "biochips" is an exciting new technology with huge potential that is being pioneered in the US and Europe to take advantage of information from the international multi-billion dollar "Human Genome Project". The microarray technology will enable the simultaneous screening of thousands of genes, known and unknown, to provide a comprehensive image of the activities of the genes as they regulate changes within the body. It will allow the study of ageing and many other biomedical conditions to be accelerated enormously.

The Centre has recently begun to set up this technology and has installed the appropriate instrumentation, as well as establishing an important collaboration with Dr Mark Schena, USA, a pioneer in the construction of DNA microarrays.

Utilisation of DNA microarray technology will allow us to determine which cellular functions in the muscle are affected as we age. Our studies also have implications for using therapies to assist the normal ageing community to maintain their general energy function, health and lifestyle.