Basic science for the practicing physician: gene expression microarrays.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a general overview of gene expression microarray technology and its relevance to physicians practicing allergy/immunology.


METHODS
The PubMed interface to MEDLINE was searched for primary and review articles on gene expression microarrays. Specific articles on clinical applications of microarrays were retrieved, along with articles on use of microarrays in models of allergy, asthma, and immunologic diseases.


METHODS
The author's knowledge of the field was used to include sources of information other than those obtained through the MEDLINE search.


RESULTS
A synopsis of gene expression microarray technology, with emphasis on the relevance to allergy, asthma, and immunology, is presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Gene expression microarray technology allows investigators to measure gene expression across the genome. This has allowed researchers to improve our understanding of immunologic mechanisms in disease models. Initially used solely as a research tool, microarray-based clinical tests are now available, and many more are in development. Use of microarrays in allergy, asthma, and immunology will support the development of novel diagnostic tests for the physician and facilitate exploration of the basic mechanisms underlying allergic and immunologic diseases.
Patel
Anand C
AC
Division of Allergy/Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA. Patel_an@kids.wustl.edu
D000486:Allergy and Immunology; D015510:Clinical Medicine / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D018581:Technology Transfer