ABSTRACT
The development of novel sequence and expression analysis tools has revolutionized molecular biology, establishing the field of functional genomics virtually overnight. Microarrays, with their capability to generate rapidly massive datasets, were at the forefront of this technical revolution. The vast improvements in the production of affordable oligonucleotide arrays, and the potential of new technology on the horizon to allow for individual laboratory custom oligonucleotide-based array platforms, will facilitate the expanded use of these arrays applied to complex human brain disorders. The pairwise experimental design has the distinct advantage of preserving the individuality of each sample, which may be critical in understanding polygenic disorders that may produce a finite number of difference patterns. The creation of a common reference sample from many different control brains and brain regions is another variation of this type of comparison. Control probes must be included on each custom microarray.
