Information theory and coding problems in genetics

The aim of this paper is to describe a new class of problems and some new results in coding theory arising from the analysis of the composition and functionality of the genetic code. The major goal of the proposed work is to initiate research on investigating possible connections between the regulatory network of gene interactions (RNGI) and the proofreading (error-control) mechanism of the processes of the central dogma of genetics. New results include establishing a direct relationship between Boolean network (BN) models of RNGI and Gallager's LDPC decoding algorithms. The proposed research topics and described results are expected to have a two-fold impact on coding theory and genetics research. Firstly, they may provide a different setting in which to analyze standard LDPC decoding algorithms, by using dynamical systems and Boolean function theory. Secondly, they may be of use in establishing deeper relationships between the DNA proofreading mechanism, RNGI, and their joint influence on the development and possible treatment of genetic diseases like cancer.