High-throughput gene expression analysis using SAGE

The pharmaceutical industry has long been in search of new targets for drug development. A rational approach to the identification of relevant drug targets involves the characterization of gene products that participate in disease processes. The wealth of DNA data generated by the Human Genome Project has identified a substantial fraction of human genes, but has done little to elucidate their role in normal and disease states. One powerful method to reveal insights into gene function and gene pathways is the systematic analysis of gene expression profiles. Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) offers an efficient and comprehensive approach to gene expression analysis. It has already been used to provide insights into the pathophysiology of cancer and to open up possibilities for useful diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.