Linking Gene Discovery to Function As the research focus shifts from gene discovery to functional genomics, scientists need to link genes and proteins to their biological processes. The PathDetectÆ Pathway Profiling System measures transcription activation quantitatively and with greater sensitivity than cumbersome blotting or gel-shift assays. Previously, tedious blotting procedures were required to monitor transcription of the cellular genes that indicate pathway activation. Alternatively, researchers used time-consuming, non-quantitative gel-shift assays (EMSA) to measure transcription factor-binding activity. With the PathDetect products, reporter enzymes replace cellular genes, and simple enzyme assays provide readout of transcription activation.