Technology Overview

Polymerase Chain Reaction

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism

Gene Expression Profiling

Comparative Genomic Hybridization

The human genome is composed of thousands of genes, each with a unique nucleotide pattern of alternating G,A,T, and C molecules. Within any group of cells a unique pattern of expression from each of these genes is observed, generating an mRNA copy with a nucleotide pattern specific to each gene.

A microarray can analyze the expression levels of many thousands of genes in a single assay reaction. The application of this technology in clinical research has led to the development of gene expression profiles capable of determining response to therapy, distinguishing human malignancies, and predicting survival.

Microarrays offer the opportunity to make diagnoses based on molecular, rather than morphologic, characteristics and allows treatment decisions to be based on molecular characteristics, rather than on appearance. This has led to the development of disease databases and the movement from a subjective phenotypic classification to a uniform molecular based diagnosis. Microarrrays are a key component in the quest for personalized medicine.