Genetic 564 Undergraduate Capstone course at University of Wisconsin Madison
What are transcriptomics?
The transcritptome is compiled of all the transcribed genetic material (mRNA) during transcription. In order to initiate transcription of a gene upstream elements bind together to create the machinery called transcription factors (TF's). [1] TF's are responsible to regulating gene expression, up regulation or over expression is common in stressful environment or disease. While down regulation or little to no expression occurs when certain molecular products are to high or not needed, or if the gene of interests has been mutated or has been knocked out.
PAX8 the Transcription Factor
PAX8 is a transcription factor with the primary function of expression genes associated with the development and functions the thyroid hormone receptors alpha/beta located on the thyroid gland. Individuals with congenital hypothyroidism have a mutation in the PAX8 transcript. This mutation lowers the binding affinity of PAX8 on DNA disallowing for transcription of gene that as essential for the thyroid gland. Consequently have little to no functional PAX8 TFs can have undesired effects on the expression of other TFs and gene in other glands and organs besides the thyroid gland.
References:
[1]Mazurais, David, et al. "Transcriptomics for understanding marine fish larval development 1 1 This review is part of a virtual symposium on current topics in aquaculture of marine fish and shellfish." Canadian Journal of Zoology 89.7 (2011): 599-611.
Cover Image: http://www.sciencemag.org/sites/default/files/styles/article_main_large/public/custom-publishing/2015_07_31_Transcriptomics_Large_2.jpg?itok=5LPStazj
[1]Mazurais, David, et al. "Transcriptomics for understanding marine fish larval development 1 1 This review is part of a virtual symposium on current topics in aquaculture of marine fish and shellfish." Canadian Journal of Zoology 89.7 (2011): 599-611.
Cover Image: http://www.sciencemag.org/sites/default/files/styles/article_main_large/public/custom-publishing/2015_07_31_Transcriptomics_Large_2.jpg?itok=5LPStazj