Next-Generation Tools for Analyzing Gene Transcription, Regulation and Corresponding Genetic Pathways

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Next-Generation Tools for Analyzing Gene Transcription, Regulation and

Corresponding Genetic Pathways

05 Mar 2005 Medical News Today

Genpathway, Inc today announced the availability of its novel tools enabling

discovery and characterization of differential gene transcription, components

and processes for gene regulation, and corresponding genetic pathways.

In contrast to RNA profiling methods, Genpathway's tools measure the process of

transcription rather than the product of the process (RNA). These innovative

tools -- TranscriptionPath, FactorPath and PromoterPath -- provide

knowledge about changes in gene expression and regulation with greater accuracy

and reproducibility, and generate information that is unattainable using other

available technologies.

" Scientists use RNA profiling to measure accumulated levels of RNA. They also

see substantial added value in tools that measure the actual transcription of

genes -- including the relative levels at which genes are being expressed -- and

tools that generate a more accurate picture of differential gene activation and

repression. Genpathway provides these tools, " said Warren, Chief Scientific

Officer of Genpathway. " RNA profiling faces challenges because RNA is relatively

unstable, the data analysis is difficult, and determining which genes are

coordinately regulated can only be done by inference. Genpathway's new tools go

beyond RNA profiling but can also be used to clarify or verify RNA profiling

results. "

" When studying changes in gene expression, I would rather measure transcription

directly than accumulated levels of RNA, " said Kadonaga, Chairman of

Molecular Biology at the University of California, San Diego. " Genpathway's

TranscriptionPath provides insight into changes in gene expression that

could not be obtained by conventional microarray analysis. These tools are

particularly useful to anyone who wants to identify or characterize genes that

are activated or repressed upon treatment with a stimulus, such as a drug. "

Genpathway's proprietary tools include:

-- TranscriptionPath: Identification and quantitation of gene transcription

based on isolation and characterization of DNA/transcription machinery

complexes.

-- FactorPath: Discovery and quantitation of binding by transcription

factors and coactivators.

-- PromoterPath: Identification of promoters and enhancers, and quantitation

of their use.

Genpathway offers two informative modes of analysis for each tool:

-- QueryMode: Investigates specific genes or genomic regions for

transcription or protein binding.

-- DiscoveryMode: Scans across the genome for all sequences involved in

transcription or gene regulation.

ABOUT GENPATHWAY, INC.

Genpathway is a systems biology company developing innovative tools that

identify and analyze complex biological pathways to drive discovery and testing

of novel pharmaceuticals, biomarkers and diagnostic tests. http:

//www.genpathway.com