Project III.1.2: DNA microarrays

Project Title: III.1.2 DNA microarrays
Project Leads: Holly Simon and Mariya Smit

Project Description
The DNA microarrays are being used to identify microbial gene expression patterns associated with forcing events and high-gradient regions (E-GRs) along Columbia River margins. The mid-to-high density platform of the CombiMatrix arrays allows for hundreds to thousands of probes to be tested and the most suitable probes among them to be identified. Once subsets of probes have been identified, those are coupled with a low-cost biosensor platform to assay hundreds of water samples in multiple time-series analyses.

Fit in program
The DNA microarray data are being used to determine prospective indicator species as sentinels for change along coastal margins.

Outcomes
Our preliminary data analysis suggests that specific microbial gene expression signatures can be identified along the Columbia River margin. This result suggests that microbial gene expression patterns have predictive value and will be a useful observatory component.