Transcriptomic Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease

Transcriptomics is the study of how our genes are regulated and expressed in different biological settings. Technical advances now enable quantitative assessment of all expressed genes (ie, the entire “transcriptome”) in a given tissue at a given time. These approaches provide a powerful tool for understanding complex biological systems and for developing novel biomarkers. This chapter will introduce basic concepts in transcriptomics and available technologies for developing transcriptomic biomarkers. We will then review current and emerging applications in cardiovascular medicine.