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Published on: April 17, 2017
Gene expression microarrays and respiratory muscles
Erik van Lunteren1, Patrick Leahy
1Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Cleveland VA Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States. exv4@cwru.edu
Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
|December 23, 2006
Summary
Microarray technology reveals distinct gene expression in diaphragm and limb muscles, differing in health and disease. This research uncovers new molecular pathways for muscle injury and potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Genomics
- Muscle physiology
Background:
- Microarray technology enables simultaneous measurement of tens of thousands of gene transcripts.
- Previous studies suggest the diaphragm possesses a unique molecular niche compared to limb muscles.
- Gene expression patterns in muscles change significantly in response to various diseases and perturbations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential gene transcription patterns in diaphragm versus limb muscles.
- To identify molecular changes in respiratory muscles during disease states and external disturbances.
- To uncover novel molecular events and potential therapeutic targets in muscle pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing microarray technology to measure gene expression profiles.
- Comparing gene transcription patterns between diaphragm and limb muscles.
- Analyzing alterations in gene expression in response to genetic defects and non-genetic perturbations.
Main Results:
- Diaphragm and limb muscles exhibit distinct gene transcription patterns in both healthy and diseased states.
- Respiratory muscles show substantial gene expression responses to various disturbances, including genetic defects and mechanical ventilation.
- Altered gene expression involves diverse cellular processes like contraction, metabolism, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cellular adhesion.
- Functional gene groups with changed expression vary significantly across different diseases.
- Previously unrecognized pathways involved in muscle injury and repair were identified.
Conclusions:
- The diaphragm has a unique molecular profile distinct from limb muscles.
- Respiratory muscles mount complex gene expression responses to disease and injury.
- Understanding these molecular events can lead to novel therapeutic strategies for muscle disorders.
- Novel pathways identified may offer new targets for ameliorating muscle injury and promoting healing.
Related Concept Videos
02:34DNA Microarrays
Microarrays are high-throughput and relatively inexpensive assays that can be automated to analyze large quantities of data at a time. They are used in genome-wide studies to compare gene or protein expression under two varied conditions, such as healthy and diseased states. Microarrays consist of glass or silica slides on which probe molecules are covalently attached through surface functionalization. Most commonly, the slides are prepared through the chemisorption of silanes to silica...
01:42What is Gene Expression?
Overview
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
01:36What is Gene Expression?
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is comprised of nucleotides and proteins are comprised of amino acids, a mediator is required to convert the information encoded in DNA into proteins. This mediator is the messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA copies the blueprint from DNA by a process called transcription. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus by complementary base-pairing with the DNA template. The mRNA is then processed and...
02:23Master Transcription Regulators
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02:24Ribosome Profiling
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Applications of ribosome profiling
Ribosome profiling has many applications, including in vivo monitoring of translation inside a particular organ or tissue type and quantifying new protein synthesis levels.
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02:11Reporter Genes
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Commonly used reporter...
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