The application of DNA microarray assay has entered a new era owing to recent innovations in omics technologies. Transcriptome profiling using DNA microarrays are data-driven approaches with the potential to uncover unanticipated relationships between gene expression alterations and psychiatric disorders. Creative Biolabs is a leading biotechnology company providing a full range of services to develop high quality customized DNA microarrays for psychiatric disease research. Our in-house expert molecular geneticists use cutting-edge array technologies to conduct whole-genome association studies, fine mapping studies, linkage analysis, and more in a timely fashion at a reasonable cost.
DNA Microarrays
DNA microarrays are high-density arrangements (often more than 10,000 genes) of complementary DNA sequences (cDNA) or synthetic oligonucleotides immobilized in specific locations on a solid surface or membrane. Each microarray probe is capable of recognizing complementary sequences through base pairing-the process of hybridization. DNA microarrays are successfully used for multiple purposes such as comparative genomic hybridization, genotyping, sequencing and expression analysis. Nowadays, dozens of DNA expression profiling experiments have been conducted on the brains of subjects with psychiatric disease, providing us with an intriguing glance into the disturbed transcriptome networks.
Advantages of DNA Microarray
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Provides data for thousands of genes in real time.
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Single experiment generates many results easily.
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Promising for discovering cures to various psychiatric diseases.
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Different parts of DNA can be used to study gene expression.
Studying Psychiatric Disorders Using DNA Microarray
Due to the phenotypic complexity and small magnitude of biologically important transcript changes, successful microarray studies of the human brain tissue have been performed years after the first microarray experiments were carried out in psychiatric disorders research. By using animal models, various microarray studies have successfully explored the underpinnings of the behaviors thought to be associated with psychiatric conditions.
Case Example: Schizophrenia Research
Schizophrenia is a multifaceted disorder that fully manifests itself during the post-adolescent period usually with a constellation of psychotic, negative, and cognitive symptoms. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been implicated as a major site of brain dysfunction in schizophrenia. To investigate if the functional, physiological, and anatomical findings are also associated with alterations of gene expression patterns, scientists performed a high-density cDNA microarray analysis of PFC area 9 in six pairs of subjects with schizophrenia and matched controls. Finally, analyses of the PFC of subjects with schizophrenia and matched controls uncovered complex changes in the expression of genes related to presynaptic secretory release, GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission, metabolic pathways, myelination, as well as cAMP and phosphoinositol second messenger systems.
Services Overview
DNA microarray transcriptome profiling opens novel horizons in understanding molecular changes associated with complex psychiatric disorders. With careful analysis and interpretation of microarray data, scientists are uncovering previously unknown expression patterns that may be subject-specific and pivotal in understanding the disease process. Creative Biolabs offers a comprehensive set of integrated gene expression, genotyping and methylation services that facilitate studying the role of genomic alterations and transcriptional regulation of psychiatric disease-related genes in humans. Our complete DNA microarray services including:
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DNA/RNA sample quality check
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Target preparation
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Hybridization services
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Imaging services
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Signal quantification
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Gene expression profiling
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MicroRNA analysis
Microarrays for the detection and characterization of psychiatric diseases have already found their way into clinical practice in many countries. Interested in psychiatric disease exploring and DNA microarray service? Contact us now for more information.
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