Research findings, 'Expectations, validity, and reality in gene expression profiling,' are discussed in a new report. According to a study from the United States, 'To provide a critical overview of gene expression profiling methodology and discuss areas of future development. Gene expression profiling has been used extensively in biological research and has resulted in significant advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of complex disorders, including cancer, heart disease, and metabolic disorders.'
'However, translating this technology into genomic medicine for use in diagnosis and prognosis faces many challenges. In addition, gene expression profile analysis is frequently controversial, because its conclusions often lack reproducibility and claims of effective dissemination into translational medicine have, in some cases, been remarkably unjustified. In the last decade, a large number of methodological and technical solutions have been offered to overcome the challenges. We consider the strengths, limitations, and appropriate applications of gene expression profiling techniques, with particular reference to the clinical relevance. Some studies have demonstrated the ability and clinical utility of gene expression profiling for use as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive molecular markers,' wrote K. Kim and colleagues, University of California, Department of Public Health Sciences (see also Epidemiology).
The researchers concluded: 'The challenges of gene expression profiling lie with the standardization of analytic approaches and the evaluation of the clinical merit in broader heterogeneous populations by prospective clinical trials.'
Kim and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology (Expectations, validity, and reality in gene expression profiling. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 2010;63(9):950-9).
For more information, contact K. Kim, University of California, University of California, Dept. of Public Health Sciences, Davis, CA 95616 USA.
Keywords: City:Davis, State:CA, Country:United States, Epidemiology.
This article was prepared by Heart Disease Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2010, Heart Disease Weekly via NewsRx.com.
