Expressed Sequence Tags

Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) are short sequences of DNA that are derived from the expression of a gene. They can be used to identify and analyse gene products, as well as aiding in the discovery of novel genetic material. ESTs are an invaluable tool in the gene mapping process, enabling researchers to compare and contrast different gene expression levels in different tissues, as well as rapidly identify genes in newly sequenced genomes. As such, ESTs are invaluable for genomics research and, more broadly, in advancing our understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of health and disease.