Gene Expression Analysis in Diabetes Research

Global gene expression profiling through the use of microarray technology is among the most powerful molecular biological techniques available to diabetes researchers today. In this chapter, we outline how to appropriately perform a microarray experiment using pancreatic islets or total pancreas, based upon over a decade of experience in our laboratory. Through the utilization of careful experimental designs, large numbers of biological replicates, production of high-quality starting material, optimized protocols for hybridization, and sophisticated tools for data processing and statistical analysis, the full potential of high-quality expression profiling can be realized.