Microarray technology in the study of genetic determinants of cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Microarray, a miniaturized glass slide or membrane with immobilized DNA probes, is a powerful tool for the analysis of mutations, gene expression and sequencing. This technique requires chip (glass slide or membrane) fabrication, preparation of probes and labelled targets, hybridization and data analysis. Microarrays give the possibility to evaluate a wide spectrum of candidate genes, to simultaneously observe interaction of genes, to detect polymorphisms within genes and identify therapeutic targets. Coronary artery disease being a major cause of death, is a disorder influenced by either genetic or environmental factors. Microarray analysis of gene expression can be used to identify genes involved in disease progression and in disease reduction. Chips also allow for the throughput and simultaneous analysis of a great variety of cell types such as cardiomyocytes, monocytes, macrophages, smooth muscle, endothelial, and fibroblasts and chemical mediators involved in cardiovascular disease pathology, their interactions and cumulative effects. © 2009 © Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.