 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Technology
Gene Regulation
Super-induction of BDNF expression by anti-epileptic drugs in rat brain
The expression of genes is a tightly regulated process, making sure
that genes become active in the right tissues, at the right moment and in response to
the right stimuli. Knowing, therefore, how gene expression is regulated is a critical
piece of intelligence that can provide powerful insight for functional annotation as well
as clinical utility. Indeed, a dys-regulation of these processes is often the root cause
of disease.
The primary example of gene regulation occurs during development, where the
concerted and timed expression of genes is essential to direct the highly complex
processes underlying the formation of cells, organs and living organisms. Information
about when and where a gene is expressed during development provides strong
evidence to assign a function and/or uncover if the gene may be useful as therapeutic
target or biomarker.
Expression of genes can also be influenced by drugs and pharmaceuticals. Such
genes can be effective biomarkers of drug efficacy, toxicity or carcinogenicity.