Current Genomics - Volume 3, Issue 1, 2002

Large scale analysis of gene expression using DNA arrays shows great promise in enhancing our understanding of how the genome constructs the brain. This technology has been employed to analyze gene expression variations in the brain resulting from genetic polymorphisms, drug abuse, aging, and the neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. Although the data from DNA array analysis is Read More

We review a series of statistical issues that arise in the design of a gene-expression array experiments in the statistical assessment of which genes are differentially expressed and in the use of array data to understand transcription regulation and prediction of cell characteristics.

In the post-genomic era, microarray technology will have a major impact on our understanding of complex gene expression patterns and circuit function in the brain. Due to the phenotypic and transcript complexity of the brain, transcriptome profiling data is multifaceted, and is best interpreted in the context of the cellular diversity of the studied brain region. In the near future, massive microarray datasets will be pla Read More

An estimated 9 to 22 % of the pediatric age group are affected by the extremely broad range of childhood neurological disorders, which includes autism and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). As with most all of the neurodevelopmental disorders, the PDD spectrum disorders demonstrate a tremendous degree of clinical, biochemical, and genetic heterogeneity. In the great majority of cases, the underlying mol Read More

Cancer is the result of cumulative multiple genetic mutations, which result in the activation of oncogenes and / or the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Current theories of malignant transformation postulate that the development of primary brain tumors is the consequence of the sequential accumulation of multiple genetic alterations in brain cells, each of which contributes to the induction of a progressively more Read More

In order to identify a transcription component of programmed cell death (PCD), this review compiles and cross-compares genome-scale gene expression analyses of several models of apoptosis. Large-scale transcription profiling studies to date have utilized diverse technologies such as cDNA arrays and serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE). Despite the varying technology platforms, commonly regulated genes were i Read More