With each new microarray or RNA-seq experiment, massive quantities of transcriptomic information are generated with the purpose to produce a list of candidate genes for functional analyses. Yet an effective strategy remains elusive to prioritize the genes on these candidate lists. In this review, we outline a prioritizing strategy by taking a step back from the bench and leveraging the rich range of public databases. This in silico approach provides an economical, less biased, and more effective solution. We discuss the publicly available online resources that can be used to answer a range of questions about a gene. Is the gene of interest expressed in the system of interest (using expression databases)? Where else is this gene expressed (using added-value transcriptomic resources)? What pathways and processes is the gene involved in (using enriched gene pathway analysis and mouse knockout databases)? Is this gene correlated with human diseases (using human disease variant databases)? Using mouse fetal testis as an example, our strategies identified 298 genes annotated as expressed in the fetal testis. We cross-referenced these genes to existing microarray data and narrowed the list down to cell-type-specific candidates (35 for Sertoli cells, 11 for Leydig cells, and 25 for germ cells). Our strategies can be customized so that they allow researchers to effectively and confidently prioritize genes for functional analysis.
Pubmed ID: 28196369 RIS Download
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Project aggregates and provides experimental gene expression data from genito-urinary system. International consortium providing molecular atlas of gene expression for developing organs of GenitoUrinary (GU) tract. Mouse strains to facilitate developmental and functional studies within GU system. Experimental protocols and standard specifications. Tutorials describing GU organogenesis and primary data via database. Data are from large-scale in situ hybridization screens (wholemount and section) and microarray gene expression data of microdissected, laser-captured and FACS-sorted components of developing mouse genitourinary (GU) system.
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