Microarrays: new tools to unravel parasite transcriptomes.
The ability to monitor the expression levels of thousands of genes in a single microarray experiment is a huge progression from conventional Northern blot analysis or PCR-based techniques. Microarrays can play a pivotal role in the mass screening of genes in a wide range of fields including parasitology. The relatively few parasites that can be readily cultured or isolated from a host, as compared with cell lines or tissue sources, makes microarray technology ideal for maximizing experimental results from a limiting source of starting material. Khan et al. (1999 a) commented in an early review of microarray technology " With this system in place, one can anticipate a time when data from thousands of gene expression experiments will be available for meta-analysis........leading to more robust results and subtle conclusions". Now in 2005, microarrays represent a very powerful resource that can play an important role in the characterization and annotation of the transcriptomes of many parasites of medical and veterinary importance.
Gobert
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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health and Nutrition, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, 300 Herston Road, Brisbane, QLD 4029 Australia. geoffG@qimr.edu.au
Moertel
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McManus
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D000818:Animals; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D046228:Microarray Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; D010271:Parasites / Q000235:genetics*; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013997:Time Factors; D014158:Transcription, Genetic