Array-based gene expression profiling to study aging

With recent sequencing of the genome and development of high-density array technology, it is now possible to assess global gene expression in cells/ti ssues by a technique that is sensitive, quantitative, and rapid. Gene expre ssion array technology is extremely useful in studying a complex, multigene tic process, such as aging, where one needs to understand the interaction o f a large number of genes. Although the technology holds great promise, it is novel and not yet well-established and there are no widely-accepted stan dards to guide investigators in the analysis and interpretation of the data obtained. Gene expression array analysis requires strong biostatistical su pport to minimize false-positives and maximize true-positives in candidate gene identification. It also requires independent validation of the array m easurements using other detection methods. Confirmation that differentially expressed (transcribed) genes are reflected by differential expression at the protein level will ultimately be an important measurement. In this revi ew, we focus on the three steps necessary for aging studies when using the gene expression array technology: (1) array hybridization; (2) biostatistic al analysis; and (3) array result confirmation. Genes identified by several investigators for their age-associated change using the gem expression arr ay systems are also discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All r ights reserved.