Reflections on studies of gene expression in aneuploids

Aneuploidy involves changes in chromosomal copy number compared with normal euploid genotypes. Studies of gene expression in aneuploids in a variety of species have claimed many different types of responses. Studies of individual genes suggest that there are both structural gene dosage effects and compensation in aneuploids, and that subtle trans-acting effects across the genome are quite prevalent. A discussion is presented concerning the normalization procedures for studying gene expression in aneuploids. A careful documentation of the modulations of gene expression in aneuploids should provide insight into the nature of cancerous cells and the basis of aneuploid syndromes.