The future of genomic profiling of neurological diseases using blood

Frank R. Sharp, Huichun Xu, Lisa Lit, Wynn Walker, Michelle Apperson, Donald L. Gilbert, Tracy A. Glauser, Brenda Wong, Andrew Hershey, Da Zhi Liu, Joseph Pinter, Xinhua Zhan, Xinshe Liu, Ruiqiong Ran

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

69 Scopus citations

Abstract

Sequencing of the human genome and new microarray technology make it possible to assess all genes on a single chip or array. Recent studies show different patterns of gene expression related to different tissues and diseases, and these patterns of gene expression are beginning to be used for diagnosis and treatment decisions in various types of lymphoid and solid malignancies. Because of obvious problems obtaining brain tissue, progress in genomics of neurological diseases has been slow. To address this, we demonstrated that different types of acute injury in rodent brain produced different patterns of gene expression in peripheral blood. These animal studies have now been extended to human studies. Two groups have shown that there are specific genomic profiles in the blood of patients after ischemic stroke that are highly sensitive and specific for predicting stroke. Other recent studies demonstrate specific genomic profiles in the blood of patients with Down syndrome, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, Tourette syndrome, and others. In addition, data demonstrate specific profiles of gene expression in the blood related to different drugs, toxins, and infections. Although all of these studies are still preliminary basic scientific endeavors, they suggest that this approach will have clinical applications to neurological diseases in humans.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1529-1536
Number of pages8
JournalArchives of Neurology
Volume63
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2006
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Clinical Neurology

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