DNA-inspired information concealing: A survey

• Published in: Computer science review 2010-11, Vol.4 (4), p.251-262
• Main Authors: Kencl, Lukas, Loebl, Martin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Information concealing; Internet security; Repeats in DNA; Web statistics
• ISSN: 1574-0137; 1876-7745
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cosrev.2010.07.001

Various research efforts would benefit from the ability to exchange and share information (traces with packet payloads, or other detailed system logs) to enable more data-driven research. Protection of the sensitive content is crucial for extensive information sharing. We present results of Kencl and Loebl (2009)  [41] and Blamey et al. (in preparation) [4] about a technique of information concealing, based on introduction and maintenance of families of repeats. The structure of repeats in DNA constitutes an important obstacle for its reconstruction by hybridisation. A large proportion of eukaryotic genomes is composed of DNA segments that are repeated either precisely or in variant form more than once. As yet, no function has been associated with many of the repeats. In the paper by Blamey et al. (in preparation) [4], the authors propose that in eukaryotes the cells have DNA as a depositary of concealed genetic information and the genome achieves the self-concealing by accumulation and maintenance of repeats. The protected information may be shared and this is useful for the development of intercellular communication and in the development of multicellular organisms. The results presented here are protected by Czech patent number 301799 and by US Patent Application number 12/670.