Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the basis of heredity and the beginning of understanding of the genetic basis of life began to be unravelled some 160 years ago. These fundamental concepts, which have paved the way for the current explosion in our understanding of the genetic basis of cellular function, were established from the study of pea plants by an Augustinian monk, Gregor Mendel. The next major development in genetics was 100 years later when Watson and Crick discovered the structure of DNA. Following on from their seminal work there has been an exponential growth in knowledge regarding the structure and function of DNA and its functional unit, the gene [1]. The study of DNA itself is just a broad overview of the human genome (genomics). When trying to understand more complex genetic-based traits and diseases, such as cancer, this is inadequate because it does not allow a thorough understanding of the complex inter-related processes occurring within the cell. In order to take this further, the functions of the individual genes, the messenger RNA resulting from the gene and the subsequent protein, which is produced, need to be examined. Furthermore, there are complex interactions between the cellular environment and the genes, which can affect genetic and cellular function. The measurement of gene expression can, therefore, provide information on regulatory mechanisms, biochemical pathways, cellular control mechanisms and potential targets for intervention and therapy in a variety of disease states. One technique, which allows this to be studied, is DNA microarray technology, which is now used to monitor the expression of thousands of genes simultaneously. This paper outlines briefly the applications, limitations and the possible future of microarray techniques in oncological research.
Highlights
The mechanisms underlying the basis of heredity and the beginning of understanding of the genetic basis of life began to be unravelled some 160 years ago
These fundamental concepts, which have paved the way for the current explosion in our understanding of the genetic basis of cellular function, were established from the study of pea plants by an Augustinian monk, Gregor Mendel
The gene sequences, which are contained in DNA, are transcribed into messenger RNA
Summary
From peas to "chips" – the new millennium of molecular biology: a primer for the surgeon. The mechanisms underlying the basis of heredity and the beginning of understanding of the genetic basis of life began to be unravelled some 160 years ago. These fundamental concepts, which have paved the way for the current explosion in our understanding of the genetic basis of cellular function, were established from the study of pea plants by an Augustinian monk, Gregor Mendel. The major development in genetics was 100 years later when Watson and Crick discovered the structure of DNA. One technique, which allows this to be studied, is DNA microarray technology, which is used to monitor the expression of thousands of genes simultaneously. This paper outlines briefly the applications, limitations and the possible future of microarray techniques in oncological research
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