Gene Expression Measurement

Gene expression is the process by which genetic instructions are used to synthesise gene products. Measuring this gene expression is a key element in the study of life sciences. For example, understanding the level of gene expression in a cell, tissue or organism can provide valuable information in terms of identifying viral infection, determining cancer susceptibility or testing whether a bacteria is resistant to penicillin.

The significance of these applications is described in more detail below:

Identifying viral infection

When a virus infects a human cell, it successfully incorporates its DNA or RNA into the genome and forces the cell to manufacture viral proteins through expression of the viral genes. Measuring this gene expression can aid understanding of the viral mechanism as well as providing a useful tool in the development of vaccines.

Testing penicillin resistance

Antibiotics can become ineffective if bacteria develop ways of destroying the antibiotic before it can kill the bacteria. For example, many bacteria produce an enzyme called penicillinase that can deactivate the antibiotic penicillin. Measuring the expression of penicillinase genes can help to predict whether a particular bacteria would be responsive or resistant to penicillin.

Cancer susceptibility

Measuring the expression level of cancer-causing genes (oncogenes) can help to determine a person’s susceptibility to cancer. For example, tumor suppressor genes code for a protein that can prevent the development of tumors. When these genes are under-expressed, the cancer risk is increased.

Measurement techniques

Gene expression measurement is usually achieved by quantifying levels of the gene product, which is often a protein. Two common techniques used for protein quantification include Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or ELISA. However, the gene expression level can also be inferred by measuring the level of mRNA, which is achieved using a technique called Northern blotting.

Another technique for measuring mRNA is reverse transcription followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Here, a DNA template is made from mRNA using reverse transcription. This template, which is called cDNA (complimentary DNA) is then amplified. As the DNA amplification proceeds, hybridization probes emit changing levels of fluorescence, which can be used to measure the original number of mRNA copies.

Further Reading

Last Updated: May 24, 2019

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Written by

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Dr. Ananya Mandal is a doctor by profession, lecturer by vocation and a medical writer by passion. She specialized in Clinical Pharmacology after her bachelor's (MBBS). For her, health communication is not just writing complicated reviews for professionals but making medical knowledge understandable and available to the general public as well.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Mandal, Ananya. (2019, May 24). Gene Expression Measurement. News-Medical. Retrieved on February 07, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/Gene-Expression-Measurement.aspx.

  • MLA

    Mandal, Ananya. "Gene Expression Measurement". News-Medical. 07 February 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/Gene-Expression-Measurement.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Mandal, Ananya. "Gene Expression Measurement". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/Gene-Expression-Measurement.aspx. (accessed February 07, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Mandal, Ananya. 2019. Gene Expression Measurement. News-Medical, viewed 07 February 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/Gene-Expression-Measurement.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post
You might also like...
Scientists develop noninvasive way to monitor gene expression dynamics in the brain