WHAT IS TRANSCRIPTOMICS?
The transcriptome is the complete set of RNA within your body, including things like messenger RNA and non-coding RNA, and transcriptomics is the study of this RNA. By utilizing different transcriptomic techniques, it helps to understand different patterns of gene expression as well as different modifications and mechanisms that are present within cells. [1] Comparing different RNA models can help to identify differentially expressed genes between a healthy individual and one with a disease, which is very helpful when trying to understand different disorders and possible gene-targeting cures.
discussion
The transcriptome associated with the FAH gene is very complex and has varied RNA expression within different tissues. Looking at the RNA expression bar graph above, it can be seen that the liver has the most expression by a vary large amount. This makes sense regarding what is known about the gene, as when absent the primary affects are seen within the liver, highlighting the importance of the expression of this gene within the liver. There is also expression within adipose tissue, kidneys, and adrenal glands, which also makes sense as in the absence of the gene, these tissues are also vastly affected. Overall, evaluating the transcriptome and levels of RNA expression in different tissues allows us to be able to see places in the body/cell types that are primarily using this gene and can help us further understand the effects of the loss of the FAH gene on different tissue cells and the body as a whole.
references
[1] What is transcriptomics? (n.d.). Retrieved May 07, 2021, from https://www.phgfoundation.org/blog/what-is-transcriptomics
[2] Uhlén M et al., Tissue-based map of the human proteome. Science (2015)
[2] Uhlén M et al., Tissue-based map of the human proteome. Science (2015)
This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, a capstone course at UW- Madison.