This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate course at UW-Madison.
Microarrays
Microarrays enable scientists to study many genes at one time. A microarray consists of thousands of short DNA sequences attached to a special platform [1]. Copies of the same DNA sequence are clustered together and all the sequences are ordered in a linear fashion. The location of each sequence is known before any experiments are performed. Various experiments can be performed with microarrays, but a common one is to measure expression levels of genes. To do this, cDNA derived from mRNA of the organism of interest is hybridized to the DNA on the microarray [2]. A lot of hybridization, which is recognizable by that area of the microarray turning a specific color, indicates a high expression level of that gene. For example, microarrays can be performed before and after exposing an organism to a specific stimulus in order to determine how that stimulus affects gene expression. Microarray experiments can be used to discover new genes, to diagnose diseases, to discover new drugs, and to perform toxicology research [2].
To experience microarrays first hand, click on the link below. On this website you will find an interactive microarray simulation that is comparing healthy cells and cancer cells.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/microarray/
To experience microarrays first hand, click on the link below. On this website you will find an interactive microarray simulation that is comparing healthy cells and cancer cells.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/microarray/
TOP3B Microarrays
I searched for TOP3B in the NCBI GEO database. GEO is an international online database that stores microarray data, as well as other forms of functional genomics data, that is submitted by researchers [3]. I did find a relevant study that was investigating the RNA and protein binding roles of TOP3β. Their findings are very interesting, as they argue that their findings suggest that TOP3β binds mRNAs encoded by genes with neuronal functions related to schizophrenia and autism and also promotes the expression of mRNAs critical for neurodevelopment and mental health [4]. However, these researchers did not use a microarray in this study, so I cannot use this study in relation to this technique. Thus, I was unable to find any relevant microarray data on GEO at this time.
Analyzing my Lack of Findings
As with Chemical Genetics, I attribute the lack of microarray information on TOP3B to the fact this the link between TOP3B and schizophrenia has only very recently been discovered. I would guess that in the coming years, as this connection continues to be studied, that relevant microarray results for TOP3B will become available.
References
[1]. Coriell Institute for Medical Research. What is a microarray? retrieved Apr 18, 2014. https://www.coriell.org/research-services/genotyping-microarray/what-is-a-microarray
[2]. Premier Biosoft. Microarray technology. retrieved Apr 18, 2014. http://www.premierbiosoft.com/tech_notes/microarray.html
[3]. Gene Expression Omnibus. GEO Overview. Last modified Mar 13, 2014. retrieved Apr. 18, 2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/info/overview.html
[4]. Gene Expression Omnibus.Series GSE47502. Public on Aug 04, 2013. retrieved Apr. 18, 2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE47502
[2]. Premier Biosoft. Microarray technology. retrieved Apr 18, 2014. http://www.premierbiosoft.com/tech_notes/microarray.html
[3]. Gene Expression Omnibus. GEO Overview. Last modified Mar 13, 2014. retrieved Apr. 18, 2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/info/overview.html
[4]. Gene Expression Omnibus.Series GSE47502. Public on Aug 04, 2013. retrieved Apr. 18, 2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE47502