Exon-specific Expression Analysis

Exon arrays from Affymetrix contain oligonucleotide probes that are exon-specific and allow to measure gene-level expression as well as genome-wide alternative splicing. Compared to Affymetrix' standard expression arrays, the increased number of probes increases the robustness of the gene-level expression measurement.

Comparison of standard 3'- and exon arrays

Exon arrays have about four probes for each exon. Probes on standard expression arrays are located on the 3'-exons only.

Robust gene-level expression profiling

Because each exon is represented with about four probes, for most of the multi-exon RefSeq genes, 30 - 40 probes on each Exon Array are used to interrogate the same gene for the most accurate quantitation. Because of the dense coverage, Exon Arrays generate more sensitive measurement at the gene level for a significant percentage of the RefSeq genes compared with other conventional array designs.

Genome-wide alternative splicing analysis

For the first time, researchers can incorporate alternative splicing analysis in their research with an unbiased approach with the Exon Arrays. Novel roles that splicing may play in development and disease mechanism can now be examined.

Support Modes

Affymetrix tiling array technology is available in User lab mode.

Please request a project if you want to use exon arrays.

Contacts

Andrea Patrignani
Catharine Aquino