Understanding cellular biology of cancer in humans on molecular basis is done through the use of microarrays allowing a timely diagnosis. The focus of this research is on further classification through sub-typing of cancers allowing novel prognostication leading to suitable selection of treatment. Individual tumors require the examination of several proteins and genes providing data that can be utilized for sub-typing. The microarray methodology has been developed to supplement expression of multiple genes and proteins at the same time. Additionally, it picks what is known as molecular signature unique to each patient’s tumor.
Gene Expression Profiling or GEP is the term used for this process of identification to document the way one disease behaves in different individuals owing to molecular differences. Recording these variances allow progression into customized treatment methods based on a detailed prognosis. GEP is a methodical process involving several steps as explained below.
Analysis through DNA Microarray allows Gene Expression Profiling; the same process, used in traditional methods, is followed except that the level of expression of about a thousand genes is analyzed simultaneously on a platform. This platform is known as a microarray. Microarray analysis is performed in several stages. First, a microarray is prepared on which fluorescent targets are generated using RNA samples. Then the probes are hybridized to acquire data by scans of signal intensity that emanates from the probes. Once the data has been acquired, analysis is done by extracting only that information which is biologically useful, making it an extremely challenging part of GEP.
It is extremely important to understand the extensive implications of the swiftly evolving field of DNA analysis using microarrays by profiling gene expression. These implications are endless in prognostication followed by specificity in treatment selection. Particularly with regards to cancer research, it allows researchers to classify of tumors, refine the estimates of the prognosis as well as predict the response the patient would have to the selected mode of therapy.
DNA microarray analysis for Gene Expression Profiling is still a comparatively new and can be concluded as premature in its progression towards being the exclusive method of detailed cancer classification and subtyping as well as prediction of the outcomes of modified treatments selected based on the prognosis.
Like any other research in its experimental phase, there is a dire need for large scale studies that can be used for suitable authentication to regularize the processes involved in this research, by standardization of guidelines to conduct studies and report them. Furthermore, this research needs to be documented as sources of comparative data analysis in research institutes and made accessible to independent bodies conducting experiments on similar disorders. The final step for this technology of testing based on DNA microarrays is its potential to be designed for clinical trials to be ultimately used as part of routine clinical evaluation of cancer patients.
There is no denying the great potential of Gene Expression Profiling through DNA microanalysis as it has opened the gateway to a future of individually modified cancer therapy.
Jolene Madison has devoted her life to the study of microarrays in of developing medical solutions for cancer therapy. To know more about microarrays for trusted information and products, Jolene recommends http://www.arrayjet.co.uk/.