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Discovering causes and cures for cancer from gene expression analysis

Ashani T Weeraratna1

  • 1Laboratory of Immunology, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Gerontology Research Center, 5600 Nathan Shock Drive, Box 21, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. weerarat@grc.nia.nih.gov

Ageing Research Reviews
|October 26, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Tumorigenesis involves genetic and epigenetic changes affecting gene expression. Gene expression profiling techniques like SAGE and microarrays help identify cancer mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology and Molecular Biology
  • Genetics and Epigenetics

Background:

  • Tumorigenesis results from complex genetic and epigenetic alterations.
  • These changes can lead to gene silencing or aberrant gene expression.
  • Understanding these alterations is crucial for cancer research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of gene expression profiling in cancer research.
  • To highlight how these techniques can uncover cancer mechanisms.
  • To explore their potential in identifying therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

  • Gene expression profiling techniques are discussed.
  • Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) is mentioned.
  • Microarray analysis is included as a key method.

Main Results:

  • Gene expression profiling provides global overviews of molecular changes in tumors.
  • These techniques identify key genes and pathways implicated in tumorigenesis.
  • They offer insights into the mechanisms driving cancer development.

Conclusions:

  • Gene expression profiling is vital for understanding cancer.
  • These methods aid in discovering novel therapeutic strategies.
  • The review emphasizes the translational potential of these techniques in oncology.

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