Abstract
Since the inception of global gene expression profiling platforms in the mid‐1990s, there has been a significant increase in publications of differentially expressed genes in the process of epileptogenesis. In particular for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, the presence of a latency period between the first manifestation of seizures to chronic epilepsy provides the opportunity for therapeutic interventions at the molecular biology level. Using global expression profiling techniques, approximately 2000 genes have been published demonstrating differential expression in mesial temporal epilepsy. The majority of these changes, however, are specific to laboratory or experimental conditions with only 53 genes demonstrating changes in more than two publications. To this end, we review the current status of gene expression profiling in epileptogenesis and suggest standard guidelines to be followed for greater accuracy and reproducibility of results.
Highlights
The understanding of epilepsy as a complex interaction between numerous excitatory and inhibitory neuronal connections influenced at the molecular level rightly brings about focus to global changes in the entire transcriptome in the epileptogenic process
Global expression profiling during epileptogenesis allows a greater understanding of the broad mechanisms underlying the epileptic process
It demonstrates specific genomic changes operating in concert with the entire molecular environment, thereby opening the doors to further research into possible causative pathways and functions through gene ontology annotations of cellular components, biological processes and molecular functions
Summary
The understanding of epilepsy as a complex interaction between numerous excitatory and inhibitory neuronal connections influenced at the molecular level rightly brings about focus to global changes in the entire transcriptome in the epileptogenic process. SAGE and DNA microarray generate large libraries of mRNA sequences enabling researchers to generate differential gene expression lists in disease states by statistical comparison of transcript frequencies between two or more conditions. This model demonstrates the classical progression of human temporal lobe epilepsy with an initial convulsive event leading to seizures and status epilepticus before a latency period of varying length and appearance spontaneous seizures following this.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
