How Can Microarrays Unlock Asthma?. (6th February 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Faiz, Alen; Burgess, Janette K.
• Other Names: Heijink Irene Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of allergy. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-02-06
• Subjects: Allergy -- Periodicals; Immunologic diseases -- Periodicals; Allergy and Immunology; Hypersensitivity; Immune System Diseases; Allergy; Immunologic diseases; Electronic journals; Periodical; Periodicals; 616.97
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/241314
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9783

Abstract

Abstract : Asthma is a complex disease regulated by the interplay of a large number of underlying mechanisms which contribute to the overall pathology. Despite various breakthroughs identifying genes related to asthma, our understanding of the importance of the genetic background remains limited. Although current therapies for asthma are relatively effective, subpopulations of asthmatics do not respond to these regimens. By unlocking the role of these underlying mechanisms, a source of novel and more effective treatments may be identified. In the new age of high-throughput technologies, gene-expression microarrays provide a quick and effective method of identifying novel genes and pathways, which would be impossible to discover using an individual gene screening approach. In this review we follow the history of expression microarray technologies and describe their contributions to advancing our current knowledge and understanding of asthma pathology.