DNA microarrays in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery

OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to review the technologies underlying DNA microarrays and to explore their use in otolaryngology- head and neck surgery. STUDY DESIGN: The current literature relating to microarray technology and methodology is reviewed, specifically the use of DNA microarrays to characterize gene expression. Bioinformatics involves computational and statistical methods to extract, organize, and analyze the huge amounts of data produced by microarray experiments. The means by which these techniques are being applied to otolaryngology- head and neck surgery are outlined. RESULTS: Microarray technologies are having a substantial impact on biomedical research, including many areas relevant to otolaryngology- head and neck surgery. CONCLUSIONS: DNA microarrays; allow for the simultaneous investigation of thousands of individual genes in a single experiment. In the coming years, the application of these technologies to clinical medicine should allow for unprecedented methods of diagnosis and treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: These highly parallel experimental techniques promise to revolutionize gene discovery, disease characterization, and drug development.