Expression-based monitoring of transcription factor activity: the TELiS database

Abstract

In two validation studies, TELiS accurately detected in vivo activation of NF-kappaB and the Type I interferon system by HIV-1 infection and pharmacologic activation of the glucocorticoid receptor in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The population-based statistical inference underlying TELiS out-performed conventional statistical tests in analytic sensitivity, with parametric studies demonstrating accurate identification of transcription factor activity from as few as 20 differentially expressed genes. TELiS thus provides a simple, rapid and sensitive tool for identifying transcription control pathways mediating observed gene expression dynamics.