Bioinformatics and Biomarker Discovery - 9780470744604

Biomarkers are indicators of disease occurrence and progression that can be used to predict clinical responses to treatments and may also represent potential drug targets. They can be derived from solid tissue and bio-fluids or they can refer to non-molecular risk or clinical factors such as life-style information and physiological signals. The discovery of biomarkers is enabled with the development of advanced computer systems for analyzing the structure and function of genes, proteins, and other biological substances in the human body. In this work, Azuaje (Public Research Center for Health, Luxembourg) introduces readers to the key problems, tools, and opportunities in bioinformatics and biomarker research. Ten chapters discuss fundamental statistical concepts, biomarker-based prediction models, discovery and analysis of genotype-phenotype associations, biomarkers and gene expression data analysis, proteins and metabolomics for biomarker discovery, disease biomarkers and biological interactions networks, integrative data analysis for biomarker discovery, information resources and software tools for biomarker discovery, and current challenges and research directions in bioinformatics and biomarker discovery. Azuaje's discussion is supplemented by seven guest commentaries on various aspects of the discussion. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)