Abstract

DO.19.09

Good and bad of microarray studies – from the lab to biological significance

Frank Schirra, Berthold Seitz

Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar

Objective
The definitive goal of scientific work is to elucidate connections and understand associated functions. In that respect comprehensive, partially genome wide gene expression studies using microarrays appear to be supreme instruments. Possibilities and limits shall be described.
Methods
The gene expression of mouse meibomian gland under the influence of sex steroids is being examined exemplary. GeneSifter Software is used for analysis.
Results
The analysis integrates numerous tools in order to evaluate the biological significance of the data, such as z-score analysis, visualization of affected genes within known pathways, direct access to external database information on genes, for instance Gene Ontology, GenBank, UniGene, Homologene, OMIN, Entrez Gene, PubGene, GeneCards etc. Information filtering, for example by chromosome, KEGG pathways, influential factors or gene ontological criteria is feasible.
Conclusions
The combination of microarrays and appropriate analysis software represents a powerful tool in the quest for biological significance of discovered relations. However, we are not released from critically evaluating process and results.

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