PACK POINTS
Pattern recognition
A new tool developed by NC State computer scientists will help researchers identify the minute changes in DNA patterns that lead to cancer, Huntington’s disease and a host of other genetic disorders.
The tool translates DNA sequences into graphic images, which allows researchers to distinguish genetic patterns more quickly and efficiently than was historically possible using computers. David Cox, a Ph.D. student in computer science, devised the “symbolic scatter plot” tool to provide a visual representation of a DNA sequence.
“The human visual system is more adept at identifying patterns, and
differentiating between patterns, than existing computer programs such as
those that try to identify repetitions of DNA sequences,” Cox explained.
In other words, the naked eye sees patterns better than computers can.
Finding patterns in a sequence of DNA is important because it can help researchers identify the minute genetic variations between subjects that suffer from a disease, such as cancer, and subjects that do not.
“Improved identification of relevant DNA sequences will hopefully
expedite the development of successful treatment for a range of diseases
by allowing researchers to focus on the components of DNA that are related
to the disease and improving our understanding of the genetic mechanisms
of these diseases,” Cox said. “For example, what turns specific
genes on and off?” With this new tool, researchers may be closer to finding the answer.
