Analyzing gene expression

Abstract

Changes in activity of regulated genes correlate with the synthesis of the encoded proteins directly affecting the physiological status of the individual. In most of the cases, protein synthesis is directly proportional to the transcriptional activity of its gene, which affects the steady state levels of mRNA encoding the peptide. Thus, measuring mRNA is the obligated first step in investigating how expression of a gene can be regulated. © 2009 Springer-Verlag US.