DMMC Course: TECHNIQUES & STRATEGIES IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE

1445-1530 Monday 4 December 2006. UCD Conway Institute Lecture Theatre, UCD

Differential gene expression: overview of relevant methods
Dr Mairin Rafferty (UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research)

This lecture will summarise the main approaches used to determine alterations in gene expression at the RNA level. Emphasis will be placed in this context on global approaches that attempt to map differences in the transcriptome, i.e. entire complement of transcripts in a cell. Methodologies that will be addressed include differential display, subtractive hybridization, high-throughput sequencing (ESTs and SAGE), and DNA microarray technologies. Key examples from the literature will be utilised to illustrate examples of investigators applying these technologies to understand biological phenomena, with a focus on disease-related processes. An indication of the relevant infrastructure and expertise to carry out this work within the DMMC will be presented.

Review articles

Lennon, G. G. (2000).
High-throughput gene expression analysis for drug discovery.
Drug Discovery Today, 5, 59-66.

Schulze, A. and Downward, J. (2001).
Navigating gene expression using microarrays – a technology review.
Nature Cell Biology, 3, E190-E195.