Over the past two decades, expressed sequence tags (ESTs - single pass reads from randomly selected cDNAs), have proven to be a remarkably cost-effective route for the purposes of gene discovery. Gaining in popularity, millions of ESTs have now been generated for over a thousand different species. In Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs): Generation and Analysis, leading experts in the field introduce the reader to many of the fundamental concepts underlying the generation and analysis of ESTs through readily accessible and affordable sequencing technologies. The volume focuses on various methods used to generate, process and analyze EST datasets, while also exploring the use of EST technology for other purposes such as expression profiling, analysis of alternative transcripts, and phylogenomics. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biologya series format, chapters include brief introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and programs, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and Notes sections, which highlight tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and easy to use, Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs): Generation and Analysis serves as an ideal reference for scientists continuing the vital investigation of genes and the genome.