Proteomics: Sequence, Structure, Function

Lectures on the State of Gene Expression Technology

Series of 3 lectures:

Monday, March 15 11:00-12:00
Wednesday, March 17 11:00-12:00
Friday, March 19 11:00-12:00
IPAM Lecture Room 1200
Barry Merriman
UCLA Department of Human Genetics and Department of Mathematics

Gene Expression analysis provides a direct view of transcriptional activity and regulation, which is a useful complement to analysis at the level of proteins. Further, because the measurement of gene expression at the genomic scale is relatively easy and cost effective, it becomes a natural adjunct to proteomic studies. The goal of this series of lectures is summarize the state of the art in gene expression analysis for researchers in the proteomic community. The ultimate goal is to present a recently completed study comparing the major technology platforms available for Human gene expression analsysis. For completeness, we will also cover the basics of gene expression measurement. Lectures will be in a tutorial fashion, with questions and discussions highly encouraged.

Lecture 1. Measurement of Gene Expression: Technology

This lecture will introduce and explain the modern technologies for gene expression measurement, including DNA microarray, RT-PCR and SAGE techniques.

Lecture 2. Measurement of Gene Expression: Data Analysis

This lecture will discuss the "low-level" data analysis methods that are used to quantify and normalize the raw signals in gene expression data.

Lecture 3. Measurement of Gene Expression: Multi-Platform Comparison

This lecture will present the results of a new, extensive study comparing the major commercially available platforms for Human gene expression measurment. The goal is to determine the current status of repeatability, agreement and accuracy of the available technologies.  Platforms include the latest whole genome Human DNA Microarrays from Affymetrix, Agilent, Amersham, Clontech and Operon, whole genome spotted cDNA arrays, large scale Quantitative RT-PCR methods and SAGE transcript counting.

About the Lecturer: Barry Merriman is a Researcher in the UCLA Departments of Human Genetics and Mathematics. For the past several years he has been working directly with the UCLA Microarray Core Facility on the development and application of DNA microarray technology, novel methods for gene expression measuremnt, and the analysis of gene expression.