Changes+in+Gene+Expression

A. **__Microarray Expression Analysis__** – determining the level, or volume, at which a certain gene is expressed. B. **__Expression patterns__** – detection of whether a particular gene(s) is being expressed more or less under certain circumstances C. __** Expression Chips **__ 1. May be used to examine changes in gene expression over a given period of time. 2. Used to analyze microarray expression 3. Can be used to create certain drugs a. Overexpressed genes can be located and tested to create a drug to reduce the overexpression b. Can also be used in disease diagnosis i. Used to identify new genes involved in environmentally triggered diseases such as diseases affecting the immune, nervous and pulmonary and respiratory systems. 4. Expression chips can be used to determine which genes have mutations causing cancerous cells to emerge.

1. Gene expression profiling by the use of microarrays is a rapidly evolving technology that will have a major impact on all areas of biology. 2. Following the completion of the sequence of the human genome, its influence will become more profound. 3. Developments in yeast, and to some extent in mammals, show that microarrays will have enormous value in analyzing the function of uncharacteristic genes and environmental influences. 4. However, the danger that microarrays will lead to a glut of data that cannot be interpreted meaningfully is very real. 5. Careful design of experiments to address specific questions, rather than blind fishing for ‘interesting’ genes, will be of utmost importance. 6. In addition, standardisation of protocols and databases with public access will be essential if the most is to be made from this technology.