Microarrays and uses thereof

Abstract

Methods of using microarrays to simplify analysis and characterization of genes and their function are provided. Such methods can be used to identify and characterize antibodies having binding affinity for a specific target antigen. A method of determining gene expression at the protein level by contacting an array of characterized or uncharacterized antibodies on a solid surface with one or more proteins and identifying the antibodies to which said protein(s) binds also is provided. This method can be used to compare the protein expression in two different populations of cells, such as normal cells and cancer cells or resting cells and stimulated cells. In addition, a method of determining gene expression at the protein level by contacting a microarray of nucleic acid samples derived from a variety of different sources with one or more nucleic acid probes then identifying the sample or samples to which the probe binds is provided.

1 - 50 . (canceled) 
     
     
         51 . A method of diagnosing a disorder comprising:
 (a) contacting an array of antibodies specific for one or more antigens characteristic of a disorder with a biological sample obtained from a subject under conditions suitable for the formation of an antigen:antibody complex, wherein the presence of the antigens in the biological sample would be indicative of the disorder; and   (b) detecting the formation of any antibody:antigen complexes.   
     
     
         52 . The method according to  claim 51 , wherein the biological sample is a body fluid or an extracted tissue. 
     
     
         53 . The method according to  claim 51 , wherein the biological sample is cerebral spinal fluid, blood, serum, plasma, urine or saliva. 
     
     
         54 . The method according to  claim 51 , wherein the disorder is stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, myocardial infarction, peripheral blood clots, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease or sepsis. 
     
     
         55 . A method of diagnosing a disorder in a patient, comprising contacting a sample of antigens with identical microarrays, each microarray having a collection of antibodies, the antibodies being specific for a range of antigens associated with one or more disorders, and detecting the formation of antibody; antigen complexes. 
     
     
         56 . The method according to  claim 55 , wherein the antigens are detectably labeled. 
     
     
         57 . The method according to  claim 55 , comprising identical microarrays. 
     
     
         58 . The method according to  claim 55 , wherein the sample of antigens is a body fluid or an extracted tissue. 
     
     
         59 . A method of comparing protein expression in two or more protein samples comprising:
 (a) contacting an array of antibodies bound to a solid surface with a first protein sample, generating a first binding pattern;   (b) contacting a duplicate array of antibodies on a solid surface with a second protein sample, generating a second binding pattern; and   (c) comparing the binding pattern of the first protein sample with the binding pattern of the second protein sample.   
     
     
         60 . The method according to  claim 59 , wherein the first and second protein samples are derived from a body fluid; optionally cerebral spinal fluid, blood, serum, plasma, urine or saliva. 
     
     
         61 . The method according to  claim 59 , wherein the first and second protein samples are derived from extracted tissue. 
     
     
         62 . The method according to  claim 59 , wherein the first protein sample is labeled with a first detectable label. 
     
     
         63 . The method according to  claim 62 , wherein the second protein sample is labeled with a second detectable label, wherein the first and second detectable labels are different. 
     
     
         64 . The method according to  claim 59 , wherein the detectable labels are fluorescent dyes.