Transcriptome

Transcriptome

The transcriptome is the complete set of RNA transcripts produced by the genome at any one time. The term can refer to the total set of transcripts in a given organism, or to the specific subset of transcripts present in a particular cell type or under specific conditions. The study of the transcriptome, known as transcriptomics, involves the examination of the expression levels of mRNA, the identification of novel transcripts, and the characterization of alternative splicing events.

Overview

The transcriptome reflects the genes that are being actively expressed at any given time, providing insights into the functional elements of the genome and the molecular constituents of cells and tissues. Unlike the genome, which is relatively static, the transcriptome is dynamic and can change in response to various factors such as developmental stage, environmental conditions, and disease states.

Methods of Analysis

Microarrays

Affymetrix microarray chip

Microarrays are a common method for analyzing the transcriptome. They involve hybridizing cDNA to a grid of DNA probes on a chip, allowing for the simultaneous measurement of the expression levels of thousands of genes. Microarrays have been widely used for gene expression profiling, but they have limitations in terms of sensitivity and the ability to detect novel transcripts.

RNA-Seq

RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) is a more recent technology that uses next-generation sequencing to provide a more comprehensive view of the transcriptome. RNA-Seq can detect both known and novel transcripts, quantify expression levels, and identify alternative splicing events. It has largely supplanted microarrays in many areas of transcriptomics research due to its greater sensitivity and dynamic range.

Applications

Transcriptomics has a wide range of applications in biological research and medicine. It can be used to study gene expression patterns in different tissues, understand the molecular basis of diseases, and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Transcriptomics is also used in metabolomics to understand the relationship between gene expression and metabolic pathways.

Diagram showing the relationship between transcriptomics and metabolomics

Related Pages

• Genomics
• Proteomics
• Metabolomics
• Gene expression

Transcriptome

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