Comparative Analysis of Gene Expression at Sea Level and High Altitude: A Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain...

This research studies the gene expression in response to different oxygen environments and looks at high vs low oxygen environments. Tracking down the activity of some of these genes, namely VHLEL, VEGF and HIF-1α, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was done for the study group at sea level in Jeddah and at high altitude in Taif city. It has been found that these genes are much more active in higher altitudes which indicates that there is a biological mechanism that makes those specific sites more oversized for the issue of low oxygen. This knowledge is beneficial as it helps in understanding how people grow to live in high-altitude regions. This is positive, especially in justifying the use of the methods in treatment of altitude sickness and other related diseases. Although these findings bring some hope, it would be equally important to include more participants in future studies in order to consolidate our findings and gain deeper understanding of physiological adaptation in low oxygen. This research work has potential significant contribution to the medical profession under conditions of similar environment.