The Hereditary Disease Array Group (HDAG) - Microarrays, Models and Mechanisms : A Collaboration Update

A growing number of dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorders are associated with an expanded polyglutamine-encoding sequence. Alterations in gene expression have been described for several of these diseases. Many animal and cell culture models have been established. In order to generate gene expression profiles of model systems using microarray technology, the Hereditary Disease Array Group (HDAG) was formed. This collaboration helps participants to refine the design, methods, and analyses and to identify potential problem areas. The ultimate goal of HDAG is to elucidate the mechanisms by which expanded polyglutamine tracts contribute to neuropathogenesis. This conference review intends to describe this collaborative effort and highlight some of the issues relating to technical aspects, quality control and bioinformatics as well as therapeutic targets and human samples.