Computational Genomics is a new
branch of science that
bridges biology and genetics with information and computer sciences.
An important momentum for this development is provided by the world
Human Genome Project. . The Weizmann Institute and the Hebrew University
of Jerusalem now harbor a national laboratory for Genome technologies.
Its capacities, combined with the collaborative spirit of the Middle
East Regional Genome Endeavor (MERGE), allowed us to create new knowledge
and distribute novel and crucial genome-related information among the
collaborating parties. Much of the future progress in biotechnology,
medicine and agriculture is depend on innovative and computer-intensive
whole-genome methods for studying many genes in parallel. This allows
physicians and biotechnology developers to create and utilize tools
for studying, diagnosing and eventually treating inherited diseases,
as well as inherited and somatic mutations that underlie malignancy,
and congenital risks to develop such diseases. Equally important, Genome
technologies allow a frontal attack on the major public health problems
– common multigenic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and
heart failure. Genome technologies form the basis for novel diagnostic
methods that will allow one to "fingerprint" a very large
number of traits in an individual. Such methods are particularly adept
to study the highly diverse populations of region, with their variable,
distinct origins and, sometimes high, consanguinity rate. The same technologies
made it possible to do the typing of pathogens, as well as normal and
aberrant tissues. Finally, the agriculture of this new millennium will
be strongly dependent on Genome infrastructures, and our strong link
through MERGE forms the needed network that is provides the necessary
information that all connected parties can benefit from.

