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Abstract

Specific genetic abnormalities (alterations in growth-related genes), either inherited or acquired during lifetimes, may deregulate normal cell growth by interfering with very basic cellular, biochemical and biophysical processes. In order to be able to prevent such unregulated growth of cells, which may lead to cancer, we will have to understand the basic principles of genome organisation better, the mechanisms of genetic information storage, and the molecular structure and functioning of the genes and gene families themselves. This review gives a short overview of the various hierarchical levels at which an attempt is made, using different methods, to collect genomic information relevant to cancer research. We will start with cytogenetic and genetic linkage maps at the lowest resolution, work with ordered clone and complementary DNA libraries and with nucleotide sequences at medium resolution, and investigate fine details of the atomic and electronic structures of the molecules involved at the highest resolution. Very different disciplines – biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, genetics, artificial intelligence research and others – have to cooperate closely in approaching the above-mentioned ambitious goals. One of their common denominators is their intensive use of computers as tools in organising genomic information and in trying to convert it to biological knowledge.

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Computational Methods in Cancer Research The Hierarchy of Genomic Information

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