Candidate gene

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

As a candidate gene ( lat. Candidatus = candidate; . Greek genea = origin) are genes referred to may association with the occurrence of genetic have influenced diseases.

Methods for candidate gene identification

Methods are used to screen a large number of genes . These range from SNP analyzes, linkage analyzes to genotyping . These methods can be used in family studies as well as in case-control studies . Family studies are carried out with family trios (mother, father, child), whereby the child suffers from the disease of interest and the parents are healthy. In case control studies, samples from patients suffering from the disease of interest are compared with those without the clinical picture, i.e. healthy people. With the help of statistical tests , for example, SNPs can be determined that occur more frequently in sick people.

Application of candidate genes

If a candidate gene has been identified, the precise nature of the involvement of the gene or the gene product ( proteins , regulatory RNA ) in the course of the disease must be clarified with the help of expression studies and other biochemical methods . In addition to clarifying the causes and course of disease, candidate genes can also be used for genetic pre- diagnosis by using genetic abnormalities in these genes, for example SNPs, as markers for the risk of disease. In addition, it should also be possible to recognize diffuse clinical pictures (complex diseases), for example Alzheimer's disease , at an early stage and to differentiate them from other clinical pictures. Genetic analysis of a patient should also make it possible to differentiate between genetic variations of a disease and thus to adjust the medication faster and better (lower dose).

literature