DNA Microarray analysis of complex biologic processes

• Published in: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology Vol. 12; no. 5; pp. 1072 - 1078
• Main Authors: KURELLA, Manjula, HSIAO, Li-Li, YOSHIDA, Takumi, RANDALL, Jeffrey D, CHOW, Gary, SARANG, Satinder S, JENSEN, Roderick V, GULLANS, Steven R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hagerstown, MD Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 01.05.2001
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Drug Design; Gene Expression Profiling; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Kidney Diseases - drug therapy; Kidney Diseases - genetics; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous. Technology; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Phenotype; Human; Exploration; Technique; Gene; Genetic determinism; DNA
• ISSN: 1046-6673; 1533-3450
• DOI: 10.1681/asn.v1251072

DNA microarrays, or gene chips, allow surveys of gene expression, (i.e., mRNA expression) in a highly parallel and comprehensive manner. The pattern of gene expression produced, known as the expression profile, depicts the subset of gene transcripts expressed in a cell or tissue. At its most fundamental level, the expression profile can address qualitatively which genes are expressed in disease states. However, with the aid of bioinformatics tools such as cluster analysis, self-organizing maps, and principle component analysis, more sophisticated questions can be answered. Microarrays can be used to characterize the functions of novel genes, identify genes in a biologic pathway, analyze genetic variation, and identify therapeutic drug targets. Moreover, the expression profile can be used as a tissue or disease "fingerprint." This review details the fabrication of arrays, data management tools, and applications of microarrays to the field of renal research and the future of clinical practice.