The genetic code is like a foreign language. And, like scholars mastering a foreign language, cancer researchers extracting information from DNA are interested in libraries containing interesting materials written in genetic code, and a dictionary and other references that can help them make sense of these library resources. CGAP already is having a big impact on the pace of gene discovery and on the understanding of genetic changes most often associated with particular cancers. A rough sequence of the entire human genome is expected within months. Armed with the nearly complete genomic sequence, researchers are intensifying their efforts to identify genes, as well as associated DNA sequences that influence their activity and the functions of the encoded proteins made by these genes when they are switched on.
Cancer researchers are no exception.
CGAP helps researchers identify genes that are abnormally switched on or off during cancer. Once they have this information, scientists can then focus on finding out how the abnormal functioning of the proteins encoded by these genes contributes to the formation, growth and spread of tumors. Copyright 2000 Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved. Please direct all comments and questions to the Daybreak Editor .