What Role Do Tissue Samples Play in Molecular Epidemiology?
In molecular epidemiology, tissue samples are invaluable for:
- Genetic and Genomic Studies: They allow for the examination of genetic mutations, gene expression, and other genomic alterations associated with diseases. - Pathogen Detection: Molecular techniques such as PCR and sequencing can be used to detect pathogens directly from tissue samples. - Protein and Metabolite Analysis: Tissue samples enable the study of proteins and metabolites that could serve as indicators of disease processes.