What is the Difference Between DNA and Protein Microarray?

DNA microarray and protein microarray are two types of microarray technologies that differ in the molecules they analyze and the information they provide. The main differences between them are:

1. Molecules analyzed: DNA microarrays are composed of DNA spots (in picomoles) attached to a solid surface, while protein microarrays are collections of purified proteins on a solid surface.
2. Probes and targets: In DNA microarrays, both the sample and probe are DNA sequences, and either the probe or target DNA is labeled or both are labeled. In protein microarrays, the sample and probe are proteins, and only the probes are labeled.
3. Substrates: DNA microarrays are typically attached to glass slides or silicon thin-film cells, while protein microarrays can be attached to glass slides, nitrocellulose membranes, beads, or microtitre plates.
4. Function: DNA microarrays are used to analyze gene expression, sequence variations, or gene regulation. Protein microarrays, on the other hand, are used to track the activities, functions, and interactions of proteins, providing information on protein-protein binding, biochemical activity, enzyme-substrate relationships, and immune responses.

Both DNA and protein microarrays are based on the hybridization principle and use fluorescence signals for detecting hybridization. They are also both helpful in disease diagnosis in medicine.

Comparative Table: DNA vs Protein Microarray

Here is a table comparing the differences between DNA and protein microarrays:

DNA microarrays are used to analyze gene expression, detect gene mutations, and monitor single nucleotide polymorphisms, while protein microarrays are used to track the activities, functions, and interactions of proteins.