The Information Technology Challenge of JunkDNA
[see full article at http://www.junkdna.com/new_citations.html ]
By Sharon Kanon
IHC Abstract
Israeli company Rosetta Genomics has developed a way of discovering micro-RNAs (gene regulators). Until now, all DNA research has concerned itself with the two percent of the DNA that encodes proteins. Micro-RNAs (once called junk DNA) are the other 98% of DNA. They were considered to have no function...
The conventional approach to studying RNA was first to remove it from the cell. Rosetta, however, has developed a computer system that enables them to identify genes by analyzing the genomic formats. Only afterwards do they verify their existence in the biological laboratory. A second stage is to link segments of genes to diseases. Then an effort can be made to devise treatments for the diseases from these segments.
Rosetta Genomics has attracted wide interest in both the scientific and business communities.
posted by Dr. Andras J. Pellionisz at 4:44 PM
1 Comments:
The Israeli effort is spectacular from more than one viewpoint. Not only that the enterprise is noteworthy because it is focused on the (more than) 98% of the DNA (maiden name "JunkDNA"), but the effort is outstanding since it is clearly aimed at answering the challenge on the turf of Information Technology. Given the top expertise of Israel both in Genomics and in Information Technology, one can safely predict that the "Rosetta stone" of "Post Gene Genomics" will increasingly be 4-faceted; four areas competing for leadership; Silicon Valley, Israel, Singapore and India .
4:48 PM
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