The development of DNA microarrays has opened new possibilities for studying host-pathogen interaction and gene regulation. Without prior knowledge of gene expression, genes which are over- or underexpressed in response to specific stimuli can be identified, and their level of expression quantified using this technique.

Gene expression studies using microarrays

Parasite Gene Expression
DNA microarrays are highly ordered matrices of different DNA sequences that can be used to monitor gene expression, comparative genomics and genotypes [for review, see (Harrington et al., 2000)]. A DNA microarray presents an ideal tool for monitoring differential gene expression in microbial pathogens such as C. hominis. Since completion of the genome sequence of C. hominis, we have begun to use these annotated sequences to generate comprehensive microarrays of C. hominis genes and to use these arrays to dissect gene expression profiles during development and differentiation of this important parasite.

Microarray Design. We designed a spotted oligonucleotide (70-mer) microarray for Cryptosporidium hominis (if you are not familiar with microarray technology, click here for a short introduction or here for more information; some more links in our links page). This microarray will be an essential tool for investigating differential gene expression in Cryptosporidium. To construct our array, we used the ArrayOligoSelector software pipeline to choose one 70-mer for each of nearly 4,000 C. hominis genes. Each probe was compared simultaneously to both the C. hominis and the human genomes to minimize cross-hybridizations of human RNA to the C. hominis chip. Microarray experiment data and results will be stored and managed in the Ramhorn array database, VCU CSBC's implementation of the Longhorn Array Database.

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