Molecular Diagnostics: Promises and Possibilities
A rapid development in diverse areas of molecular biology and genetic engineering resulted in emergence of variety of tools. These tools are not only applicable to basic researches being carried out world over, but also exploited for precise detection of
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Mousumi Debnath · Godavarthi B.K.S. Prasad · Prakash S. Bisen
Molecular Diagnostics: Promises and Possibilities
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Dr. Mousumi Debnath Jaipur Engineering College & Research Centre Dept. Biotechnology Jaipur-302022 India
Dr. Godavarthi B.K.S. Prasad Jiwaji University School of Studies in Biochemistry Gwalior-474011 India
Dr. Prakash S. Bisen Jiwaji University School of Studies in Biotechnology Gwalior-474011 India
ISBN 978-90-481-3260-7 e-ISBN 978-90-481-3261-4 DOI 10.1007/978-90-481-3261-4 Springer Dordrecht Heidelberg London New York Library of Congress Control Number: 2009941372 © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010 No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, microfilming, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the Publisher, with the exception of any material supplied specifically for the purpose of being entered and executed on a computer system, for exclusive use by the purchaser of the work. Printed on acid-free paper Springer is part of Springer Science+Business Media (www.springer.com)
Preface
Molecular diagnostics represents a revolution postponed, perhaps, but one that is now clearly underway. Early and accurate diagnosis in medicine goes big way in prevention and treatment of communicable as well as non-communicable disorders. Traditional tests typically screen for a biochemical constituent or specific antibody or antigen derived from infectious agent to a particular disease. Molecular diagnostic tests typically analyze key DNA, RNA, or protein biomarkers (analytes) to identify a disease, determine its course, evaluate response to therapy, or predict individual predisposition to a disease. The techniques applied involve analysis of DNA sequences, DNA methylation patterns, gene expression profiles, proteins, protein expression, or combinations of these biomarkers. Such biomarkers provide direct information about genotypic and/or phenotypic changes associated with specific diseases or responses to treatment. Biomarker analysis has also become an important tool in drug discovery, preclinical drug development, and patient monitoring during clinical trials. The first few chapters of the book deals with the concepts of genomics and molecular biology. Specificity and sensitivity of DNA based tests are much higher, and the test is quicker than identification by traditional laboratory methods. In the case of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the initial detection limit in the late 1980s was 22 days post infection. However, the advent of nucleic acid testing for HIV RNA shortened this time to 11 days post infection. This highlights another distinct advantage offered by molecular diagnostics over immunoassays – amplification. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) allows for the billion-fold amplification of available genetic material, thereby allowing the detection of minute amounts of genetic material and greatly increasing the sensitivity of the assay. No such amplificatio
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