DNA microarrays (collections of DNA probes arranged on a shared base) have recently enlarged the spectrum of commercially available laboratory-ready kits in molecular biology. They are powerful new tools for the investigation of global changes in gene expression profiles in cells and tissues. Their assembly process is automatized and the DNA microarrays are further miniaturized. The DNA microarrays are used in search for various specific genes (e.g. connected with an infectious agent) or in gene polymorphism and expression analysis. They will be widely used to investigate expression of various genes connected with various diseases in order to find causes of these diseases and to enable their accurate treatment. Since the DNA microarray assembly technology has been based on methods widely used in the semiconductor industry, we can expect a rapid onset of the routine use of this revolutionary device.

Department for Medical Microbiology 3rd Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague Czech Republic