Gene Expression Profiling (GEP) in Dermatology, Part 1: Introduction, Development, Benefits, Limitations, and Future Directions of GEP

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

10-27-2025

Journal

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

DOI

10.1016/j.jaad.2025.10.084

Keywords

Kawasaki disease; RNA sequencing; alopecia areata; artificial intelligence; atopic dermatitis; continuing medical education; cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; cutaneous oncology; dermatology; diagnostics; gene expression profile; lymph node; machine learning; melanoma; metastatic; microarray; molecular diagnostics; polymerase chain reaction; precision medicine; prognostics; psoriasis; risk stratification; skin cancer; squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Gene expression profiling (GEP) is making a significant impact in dermatology by providing molecular insights that complement traditional diagnostic methods for skin cancer and inflammatory dermatoses. GEP evaluates messenger RNA levels to identify disease-specific patterns that can aid in diagnosis, prognostication, and/or treatment planning. Currently, commercially available tests for melanoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are available. The development of GEP tests follows a stepwise process, including discovery, validation, and clinical implementation. Despite challenges such as cost and the need for further prospective studies, advancements in GEP hold promise for supporting more personalized approaches to patient care.

Department

Dermatology

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