Determination of complete mRNA sequence using homology-based RACE techniques

There are large gaps in understanding the intricate relationship between genotype and phenotype at the molecular level even after a decade of completion of the human genome project. Such understanding is vital for advances in medicine and strategies to treat diseases. After the availability of the whole genome data from many organisms, genome wide comparative analysis has been a growing area of research providing useful insight about evolution, adaptation, physiology and disease mechanism. However, determination of complete mRNA sequence for the genes of interest sometimes become a critical step in such studies if the mRNA data is not available. To this end, researchers have come up with Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) and its variant strategies to obtain complete mRNA sequences. Extensive use of these techniques will help in the research community bridge the genotype-phenotype gap.