Identifying genes responsible for hyperactive sebaceous glands

Question

[vladz]

Assuming one has access to a wet lab for running experiments of arbitrary complexity, how would they go about figuring out genes responsible for overactive sebaceous glands in the skin? Will something like this bring one closer to understanding the problem?

1. Get a number of affected & control subjects
2. Sequence their exome
3. Measure sebum production via sebumeter
4. Obtain tissue sample via skin punch biopsy
5. Histology
6. Figure out what proteins are expressed in the cells
7. Figure out their related hormonal profile (e.g. via <removed, covert marketing>)
8. Seek advice from university professors, dermatologists, pharma researchers
9. Figure out how this all ties together, look for patterns

Are there any other practical steps that will get one closer to understanding this problem?

Ultimate goal is to assess feasibility & targets for a topical gene therapy.

[Michael]

Assuming one has access to a wet lab for running experiments of arbitrary complexity,...

That's not good enough, you are missing out on the complete computational biology and bioinformatics portion of it, then come to a bioinformatics forum to ask what's missing ;) This is not a wet lab forum, but I think you might want to rephrase your question anyway, it is too general overall. I like

8. Seek advice from university professors, dermatologists, pharma researchers

yes, sure that, ask 5 experts, get 10 opinions (or so)