Microarrays

Science programme: Genomic technologies

Microarray technology allows a simultaneous, high-density analysis of gene expression. Gene expression can be compared under various conditions to suggest genes that are likely to be involved in particular processes.

At HortResearch we are focusing on analysis of gene expression in fruit species including apple and kiwifruit, and the effect of introduced fruit genes on gene expression in the model plant, Arabidopsis. In addition, microarrays of mammalian organisms are being used to investigate the impact of particular foods on gene expression for the Nutrigenomics programme.

HortResearch produced its first microarray slides in 2002 and the system is now running as a routine technology for researchers.

One example of the usefulness of microarrays is demonstrated in our comparison of apple cell cultures at various temperatures. Researchers compared cultures that could grow at zero degrees with ones that grew in normal temperatures, and then identified the number and type of genes that changed in their expression.

Another example is the analysis of citric acid in kiwifruit. By taking plants that are very high in citric acid, and plants that are very low in citric acid, we can compare them on an array and expect the citric acid system genes to be changing. We can then also identify other genes that change at the same time.

Our microarray clients include:

• AgResearch
• Genesis Research and Development Corporation
• The University of Auckland
• CSIRO.

The team collaborates with Massey University.