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Malignant transformation of renal angiomyolipoma: a case report.

We report a case of renal angiomyolipoma (AML) with malignant transformation. A 28-year-old woman developed large bilateral renal masses 5 months before admission to our hospital. She was diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis when she was 4 years old. Total nephrectomy of the left kidney was performed, but she died during the operation. Although the focal region of the resected tumor had the appearance of a classic AML, most of the lesion showed a diffuse proliferation of atypical epithelioid cells resembling that in renal cell carcinoma. The epithelioid cells had extremely pleomorphic and hyperchromatic nuclei with frequent mitotic figures, including atypical forms. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the atypical epithelioid cells and the typical AML lesions were both positive for HMB-45 but that the former were negative for epithelial and myogenic markers. The smooth muscle cells and thick-walled vessels were focally positive for muscle-specific actins. Furthermore, the atypical epithelioid cells were immunoreactive for p53, whereas the foci of the typical AML were negative. Examination of the microdissected paraffin-embedded tissues revealed p53 mutations in the malignant epithelioid areas in AML but not in the renal parenchyma or typical AML areas. In this case it is proposed that p53 mutation may play an important role in malignant transformation of renal AML.

Actins↗

Analysis of protein expression patterns in Barrett's esophagus using MALDI mass spectrometry, in search of malignancy biomarkers.

SUMMARY: In order to detect early changes of malignant degeneration in Barrett's esophagus (BE), and to reduce the cost of surveillance, molecular biomarkers of early malignancy have been sought, with limited success, using genomic and immunohistochemical tools. We postulate that direct analysis of epithelial proteins using mass spectrometry will provide protein profiles capable of identifying patients at high risk of developing malignancy. Our aim is to find transitional protein signals that show a cancer profile within histologically benign BE, which can be used as indicators of early malignant change. Fourteen fresh-frozen, resected esophageal cancer specimens were analyzed using laser capture microdissection and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Samples of squamous epithelium, and both benign and malignant Barrett's epithelium, were compared for differences in protein expression. Reliable differentiation of squamous and Barrett's epithelium was demonstrated. A comparison of benign and malignant Barrett's epithelium identified a number of cancer-specific protein peaks that were deletion or expression variations from benign epithelium. In four instances the proteins (7350, 8446, 10850, and 14693) appeared to be early malignant changes in histologically benign BE. Mass spectrometry performed upon fresh-frozen Barrett's epithelium, obtained by laser-capture microdissection, displays reproducible, tissue-specific, protein profiles. Distinct differences are demonstrated between benign and malignant epithelium, some of which appear to be candidate biomarkers of early malignant change. This technique reliably displays cellular protein expression in esophageal epithelium and deserves further study as a tool to identify early malignant degeneration in BE.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Transcription analysis of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter-1 predicts survival in pancreas cancer patients treated with gemcitabine.

Gene expression analysis may help the management of cancer patients, allowing the selection of subjects responding to treatment. The aim of this study was the characterization of expression pattern of genes involved in gemcitabine activity in pancreas tumor specimens and its correlation with treatment outcome. The role of drug transport and metabolism on gemcitabine cytotoxicity was examined with specific inhibitors, whereas transcription analysis of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter-1 (hENT1), deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), 5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT), cytidine deaminase (CDA), and ribonucleotide reductase subunits M1 and M2 (RRM1 and RRM2) was done by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR in tumor tissue isolated by laser microdissection from surgical or biopsy samples of 102 patients. Association between clinical outcome and gene expression levels was estimated using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox's proportional hazards model. Transport and metabolism had a key role on gemcitabine sensitivity in vitro; moreover, hENT1, dCK, 5'-NT, CDA, RRM1, and RRM2 were detectable in most tumor specimens. hENT1 expression was significantly correlated with clinical outcome. Patients with high levels of hENT1 had a significantly longer overall survival [median, 25.7; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 17.6-33.7 months in the higher expression tertile versus median, 8.5; 95% CI, 7.0-9.9 months in the lower expression tertile]. Similar results were obtained with disease-free survival and time to disease progression, and the multivariate analysis confirmed the prognostic significance of hENT1. This study suggests that the expression levels of hENT1 may allow the stratification of patients based on their likelihood of survival, thus offering a potential new tool for treatment optimization.

5'-Nucleotidase↗

Genome-wide expression profiling reveals EBV-associated inhibition of MHC class I expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

To identify the molecular mechanisms by which EBV-associated epithelial cancers are maintained, we measured the expression of essentially all human genes and all latent EBV genes in a collection of 31 laser-captured, microdissected nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tissue samples and 10 normal nasopharyngeal tissues. Global gene expression profiles clearly distinguished tumors from normal healthy epithelium. Expression levels of six viral genes (EBNA1, EBNA2, EBNA3A, EBNA3B, LMP1, and LMP2A) were correlated among themselves and strongly inversely correlated with the expression of a large subset of host genes. Among the human genes whose inhibition was most strongly correlated with increased EBV gene expression were multiple MHC class I HLA genes involved in regulating immune response via antigen presentation. The association between EBV gene expression and inhibition of MHC class I HLA expression implies that antigen display is either directly inhibited by EBV, facilitating immune evasion by tumor cells, and/or that tumor cells with inhibited presentation are selected for their ability to sustain higher levels of EBV to take maximum advantage of EBV oncogene-mediated tumor-promoting actions. Our data clearly reflect such tumor promotion, showing that deregulation of key proteins involved in apoptosis (BCL2-related protein A1 and Fas apoptotic inhibitory molecule), cell cycle checkpoints (AKIP, SCYL1, and NIN), and metastasis (matrix metalloproteinase 1) is closely correlated with the levels of EBV gene expression in NPC.

Biopsy↗

Human papillomavirus genotypes in cervical cancer with different histological features.

We report the case of a 32-year-old woman having developed two cervical cancers synchronously, an adenocarcinoma and a squamous cell carcinoma. Polymerase chain reaction with the general primers GP5/GP6 and a subsequent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect human papillomaviruses (HPV) resulted in isolation of HPV 33 in the squamous cell carcinoma and HPV 18 in the adenocarcinoma. This is the first reported case of two histologically different synchronous cervical cancers with this distinct HPV expression pattern, and further confirms the association of certain 'high-risk' HPV genotypes to different histological features of carcinoma. Furthermore, the important role of microdissection for gaining tumor tissue of different areas in molecular diagnostics is supported.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Numerical aberrations of chromosome 8 and allelic loss at 8p in non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinomas of the urinary bladder.

OBJECTIVES: Cytogenetic and molecular studies indicate that the development and progression of bladder cancer involves multiple and complex genetic events. We screened 39 primary T(a )and T(1) transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder for numerical changes of chromosome 8 and for the presence of relative allelic loss at 8p. The results were compared with the histopathologic stage and grade and with tumour recurrence. METHODS: Thirty-nine paraffin-embedded transurethral resection specimens containing bladder cancer were examined by interphase cytogenetics with a probe specific for chromosome 8. DNA from tumour cells and normal tissue was prepared after microdissection. Allelic loss was assessed by PCR-based microsatellite analysis. RESULTS: Numerical aberrations of chromosome 8 were present in 20 of the 39 cases (51.3%) and were significantly associated with a higher tumour grade and stage. Ten cases (25.6%) displayed allelic losses at 8p. Sixteen patients (41%) suffered from tumour recurrence, but Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test did not show any statistically significant correlation between tumour grade, stage, numerical aberrations of chromosome 8, allelic losses of 8p and freedom from disease recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In this group of patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancers, numerical and structural aberrations at chromosome 8 are associated with a higher tumour grade and stage, but not with tumour recurrence.

Aged↗

Relevance of p53 gene alterations for tumor recurrence in patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

PURPOSE: The prognostic relevance of p53 protein accumulation in muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma is well documented, but the prognostic relevance of p53 alterations in superficial bladder tumors remains uncertain. Immunohistochemical data are divergent, possibly because of the use of nonstandardized techniques. We therefore investigated the relevance of p53 gene point mutations and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) for tumor recurrence. The results of this molecular analysis were compared with accumulation of the p53 protein as shown by immunohistochemistry. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Representative tumor tissue was selected and microdissected from 40 patients (pTa, 18 patients; pT1, 22 patients; grade I, 7 patients; grade II, 28 patients; grade III, 5 patients). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out with exons 5-8. All PCR products were screened for p53 mutations with temperature-gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE). When mobility shift was observed, direct nucleotide sequencing was performed. Detection of LOH was performed with nonradioactive microsatellite analysis using three markers (TP 53, D17S513 and D17S786) on chromosome 17p. Immunohistochemistry was performed with the DO 7 antibody. Tumor samples with p53 accumulation of 5% or more positive nuclei were classified as positive. Univariate analysis for disease-free survival was performed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test. RESULTS: TGGE and direct sequencing detected mutations in 10 of 40 patients (2 of 18 pTa and 8 of 22 pT1 patients). LOH was detected in 11 patients. Both a mutation and LOH were detected in 3 patients. p53 immunohistochemistry detected at least 5% positive nuclei in 28 of 40 patients (70%). After a median follow-up of 26 months 14 patients suffered disease recurrence. Whereas disease-free survival did not correlate with a mutation (p = 0.77, log-rank test), LOH (p = 0.2) or a mutation in combination with LOH (p = 0.23), a positive p 53 immunoreaction was significantly associated with short disease-free survival (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Despite the relatively high percentage of patients with p53 gene alteration in this population no significant correlation between the detection of molecular alteration and disease recurrence could be found. We conclude that, in contrast to immunohistochemical accumulation, gene alterations play only a minor role in tumor recurrence of p53 in patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, and that immunohistochemical accumulation of the p53 protein has to be explained by mechanisms other than gene mutations.

Carcinoma, Transitional Cell↗

Isolation of mature spinal motor neurons and single-cell analysis using the comet assay of early low-level DNA damage induced in vitro and in vivo.

We developed an isolation technique for motor neurons from adult rat spinal cord. Spinal cord enlargements were discretely microdissected into ventral horn tissue columns that were trypsin-digested and subjected to differential low-speed centrifugation to fractionate ventral horn cell types. A fraction enriched in alpha-motor neurons was isolated. Motor neuron enrichment was verified by immunofluorescence for choline acetyltransferase and prelabeling axon projections to skeletal muscle. Adult motor neurons were isolated from naïve rats and were exposed to oxidative agents or were isolated from rats with sciatic nerve lesions (avulsions). We tested the hypothesis, using single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay), that hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and peroxynitrite exposure in vitro and axotomy in vivo induce DNA damage in adult motor neurons early during their degeneration. This study contributes three important developments in the study of motor neurons. It demonstrates that mature spinal motor neurons can be isolated and used for in vitro models of motor neuron degeneration. It shows that adult motor neurons can be isolated from in vivo models of motor neuron degeneration and evaluated on a single-cell basis. This study also demonstrates that the comet assay is a feasible method for measuring DNA damage in individual motor neurons. Using these methods, we conclude that motor neurons undergoing oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species and axotomy accumulate DNA damage early in their degeneration.

Animals↗

Atypical marginal zone hyperplasia of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue: a reactive condition of childhood showing immunoglobulin lambda light-chain restriction.

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas usually arise at sites of acquired MALT and are uncommon in native MALT (eg, Peyer patches and tonsil). Malignancy in these low-grade lymphomas is often inferred by immunoglobulin light-chain restriction and expression of CD43; molecular genetic evidence is sought only if these are in doubt. We report 6 cases (4 tonsils, 2 appendixes) of marginal zone (MZ) hyperplasia in children aged 3 to 11 years that, despite histologic and immunophenotypic features indicative of lymphoma, were polyclonal by molecular analysis. No lymphoma-directed therapy was given and patients remain alive and well (5 cases, median follow-up 35.3 months). The involved tonsil and appendix showed florid MZ hyperplasia with prominent intraepithelial B cells (IEBCs). The MZ B cells and IEBCs showed a high-proliferation fraction and a CD20(+), CD21(+), CD27(-), immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily receptor translocation-associated 1-positive (IRTA-1(+)), CD43(+), multiple myeloma oncogene 1 (MUM-1), IgM(+)D(+) phenotype. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloning, and sequencing of rearranged IgH and Iglambda genes (whole tissue sections [6 cases]; microdissected cells [2 cases]) showed that the MZ B cells and IEBCs were polyclonal and the IgH genes nonmutated. In contrast, MZ (intraepithelial) B cells of 6 control tonsils had a similar immunophenotype, except for expression of CD27 and polytypic light chains, whereas molecular studies showed that they were polyclonal with mutated Ig genes.

Appendix↗

Variable heavy-chain gene analysis of follicular lymphomas: subclone selection rather than clonal evolution over time.

To investigate B-cell receptor evolution in follicular lymphomas (FLs), immunoglobulin variable heavy chain (V(H)) gene regions of 3 FLs were analyzed at different time points. One FL with a high somatic mutation load and intraclonal V(H) gene diversity was investigated in situ. V(H) gene transcripts were amplified and sequenced from samples of approximately 50 tumor cells isolated from frozen tissue sections by laser microdissection. Interestingly, the mutation pattern of the prevalent subclone in the relapse biopsy was virtually identical to that of a subclone isolated by microdissection from the presentation biopsy 9 years earlier. In a second FL, proof was obtained that the subclone that dominated the relapse sample had already been present in the initial biopsy. The finding that subclones found in the relapses of these FLs had not evolved over time but were preexistent, challenges the concept of antigen-driven B-cell receptor evolution during disease course.

Cell Transformation, Neoplastic↗

Prostaglandin secretion by the neocortex and fetal zones of the human fetal adrenal gland.

Previously, we reported that the human fetal adrenal (HFA) gland secretes various prostaglandins (PGs) in vitro and that PG secretion is inhibited by endogenously synthesized glucocorticosteroids. In this investigation, the neocortex (NC) and fetal zone (FZ) of the HFA gland were separated by microdissection and maintained as tissue fragments in organ culture. The rate of PG secretion into the culture medium was determined by measuring various PGs using specific RIAs in media collected at 24-h intervals. During the first 24 h in culture, the secretion rates of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 were 6- and 7-fold greater by NC [14 +/- 5 and 9.9 +/- 3 ng mg protein-1 24 h-1 (mean +/- SE)], respectively, than by FZ tissue (2.5 and 1.4 ng mg protein-1 24 h-1). The secretion rates of PGFM and PGD2 were 2-fold greater in NC tissue than in FZ tissue, but the secretion rates of thromboxane B2 were similar in both zones of HFA tissue. In another study, the patterns of secretion of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 were determined as a function of days in culture. The secretion rates of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 fell rapidly in NC from 19.0 +/- 11 and 38.3 +/- 9.7 ng mg protein-1 24 h-1, respectively, to 1.3 +/- 7.2 and 4.8 +/- 3.3 by day 4. In contrast, the secretion rates of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 rose 8- and 3-fold in FZ tissue (from 0.7 +/- 0.2 and 0.9 +/- 0.6 ng mg protein-1 24 h-1, respectively, to 5.9 +/- 0.5 and 3.1 +/- 1.2 by day 4). The addition of ACTH or dexamethasone inhibited PG secretion in both zones, but to a greater degree in FZ tissue than in NC tissue. In summary, the NC secretes larger quantities of PG than the FZ, and the patterns of secretion are different in the two zones. The secretion of PGs is inhibited more in FZ than in NC tissue by ACTH and glucocorticosteroids.

Adrenal Glands↗

Use of laser-capture microdissection for the identification of marker genes for the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus.

The ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) plays an important role in the control of feeding and energy homeostasis. In contrast to other hypothalamic nuclei that are also known to regulate energy balance, there is a paucity of nucleus-specific marker genes for the VMH, limiting the application of molecular approaches for analyzing VMH information processing, function, and circuitry. Here, we report the use of laser-capture microdissection to isolate a set of cDNAs that are enriched in the VMH relative to two adjacent hypothalamic nuclei, the arcuate and dorsomedial hypothalamus. The relative expression levels of nine of the 12 most robustly expressed VMH-enriched genes were confirmed by real-time PCR analysis using separate RNAs from these three nuclei. Three of these VMH-enriched genes were further characterized by in situ hybridization histochemistry, including pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide, cerebellin 1, and an expressed sequence tag named LBH2. Finally, to test whether some of these genes were coordinately regulated, we monitored their expression in steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) knock-out mice. SF-1 is a transcription factor that controls the development of the VMH. The RNA levels for four of these genes were reduced in these knock-out animals, further suggesting that they are direct or indirect targets of this orphan nuclear receptor. The VMH-enriched genes identified here provide a basis for a functional analysis of VMH neuronal subpopulations via the use of bacterial artificial chromosome transgenics and related technologies. These results also demonstrate the utility of laser-capture microdissection coupled with microarray technology to identify nucleus-specific transcriptional networks.

Animals↗

Global transcriptome analysis of genetically identified neurons in the adult cortex.

The enormous cellular complexity of the brain is a major obstacle for gene expression profiling of neurological disease models, because physiologically relevant changes of transcription in a specific neuronal subset are likely to be lost in the presence of other neurons and glia. We solved this problem in transgenic mice by labeling genetically defined cells with a nuclear variant of GFP. When combined with laser-directed microdissection, intact RNA from unfixed, freeze-dried sections can be isolated, which is a prerequisite for high-quality global transcriptome analysis. Here, we compared gene expression profiles between pyramidal motor neurons and pyramidal somatosensory neurons captured from layer V of the adult neocortex. One striking feature of motor neurons is the elevated expression of ribosomal genes and genes involved in ATP synthesis. This suggests a molecular adaptation of the upper motor neurons to longer axonal projections and higher electrical activity. These molecular signatures were not detected when cortical layers and microareas were analyzed in toto. Additionally, we used microarrays to determine the global mRNA expression profiles of microdissected Purkinje cells and cellularly complex cerebellar cortex microregions. In summary, our analysis shows that cellularly complex targets lead to averaged gene expression profiles that lack substantial amounts of cell type-specific information. Thus, cell type-restricted sampling strategies are mandatory in the CNS. The combined use of a genetic label with laser-microdissection offers an unbiased approach to map patterns of gene expression onto practically any cell type of the brain.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

An experimental model for the transplantation of fetal central nervous system cells to the injured spinal cord in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic spinal cord injury is one of the most disabling conditions occurring in man and thus stimulates a strong interest in its histopathological, biochemical, and functional changes, primarily as we search for preventive and therapeutic methods. PURPOSE: To develop an experimental model for transplantation of cells from the fetal rat central nervous system to the site of an injured spinal cord of an adult rat in which the transplanted cells survive and become integrated. This experimental model will facilitate investigations of factors that promote regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen adult Wistar rats underwent laminectomy, and an spinal cord lesion was made with microdissection. Fetal spinal cord tissue was then transplanted to the site of the injury. The rats were monitored over a 48-hour period, and then their vertebral column was completely removed for histological analysis. RESULTS: In 60% of transplanted rats, the fetal tissue at the injured site remained viable in the site of the lesion.

Animals↗

The three-dimensional architecture of the myosalpinx in mammals: an anatomical model for a functional hypothesis.

Direct visualization of the three-dimensional architecture of the tubal musculature (myosalpinx) was made possible by a technique involving chemical digestion of interstitial connective tissue, followed by ultrasonic microdissection and final observations under the scanning electron microscope. The isthmic myosalpinx in the guinea pig, rabbit and in humans consists of muscular bundles that tend to lie longitudinally, circularly or oblique. The muscular bundles along the tubal wall change direction, branch and intermingle with one another, giving rise to an irregular network in which distinct layers are not readily distinguishable. In the ampulla, the muscle bundles form a very irregular three-dimensional network of fibres that follow different orientations. The authors suggest a primary role for such a structure in the random pendular transport of the gametes as well as in the denudation of the egg by deformation of the myotubal wall.

Animals↗

[Determination of allelic losses in peritumor bronchial mucosa].

Lung cancer is the leading of death in both, women and men in the United States and many European countries. molecular cytogenetic and LOH analyses and LOH analyses of non-small cell lung cancer have shown somatic genetic alterations in a variety of chromosomes such as 1p, 3p, 5q, 8p, 9p, 11p, 11q and 17p. Putative tumor suppressor genes have been located in these lci. Allelic loss at 3p21, 9p21 and 5q21 has been also reported in premalignant epithelial lesions of the bronchus. We investigated 33 cases of NSCLC for LOH at 3p, 5q, 9p and 17p: 22 squamous cell and 11 adeno carcinomas. Normal lymphocytes, tumor cells and normal bronquial cells adjacent to the tumor were microdissected from paraffin embedded tissues. PCR amplification was performed utilizing the specific markers D5S299, D5S346, D3S1300, D9S157, D9S171 and D17S799. Our results show that within the NSCLC tumor cells, LOH was more frequently found at the 5q21 locus (75% of the informative cases), the 3p21 locus (48%) and 17p. Within the normal bronquial cells, LOH was found in 33% of the cases at 5q21 and 33% of the cases at 3p21. In conclusion our results show that LOH can be assessed in normal bronquial mucosae adjacent to NSCLC. We suggest that LOH at these loci may be present before the onset of the malignant growth.

Adult↗

Decreased androgen-responsive growth of human prostate cancer is associated with increased genetic alterations.

Genetic mechanisms involved in prostate tumor progression from the androgen-responsive to androgen-unresponsive stage are not well understood because of the tremendous heterogeneity in the tumor as well as the lack of suitable models. Using 165 repeat microsatellite DNA markers distributed equally over all of the chromosomes, we determined an association between genetic alterations and androgen-unresponsive growth in three stages of LNCaP cell model (C33: early, androgen-responsive; C51: mid, decreased androgen-responsive; and C81: late, androgen-unresponsive and increased tumorigenicity). Furthermore, the genetic alterations were confirmed in laser microdissected normal and cancerous tissues from 15 clinical samples of human prostatic adenocarcinomas using selected markers. A stem-line karyotype analysis exhibited an identical chromosomal pattern in both C33 and C81 stage cells except for the structural rearrangements of chromosome 3 and a gain of one copy of the Y chromosome in the androgen-unresponsive C81 stage cells. Nine microsatellite DNA markers on seven different chromosomes (1, 4, 5, 11, 17, 18, and 19) showed microsatellite instability (MSI) in both C51 and C81 stage cells. Additionally, 23 markers on 15 different chromosomes revealed MSI in C81 cells. Chromosomal regions demonstrating allelic loss (AL) include 1q, 3p, 5p, 8q, 9q, and 13q in C51 and C81 cells. In clinical human specimens, MSI was observed on chromosomes 1 (20%), 5 (23%), 17 (40%), and 19 (36%), whereas ALs were found 40% on chromosomal region 1q, 20% on 3p, 26% on 5p and 8q, and 33% on 13q. In conclusion, the LNCaP cell model showed the increasing number of genetic changes including MSI and AL. These increased genetic alterations may be associated with the development of the androgen-unresponsive phenotype.

Androgens↗

Influence of histochemical stains on quantitative gene expression analysis after laser-assisted microdissection.

Laser-assisted microdissection (LAM) allows isolation of specific cell populations for molecular studies. The combination of LAM and of real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) enables generation of quantitative cell-specific gene expression data. Histochemical stains used to identify cells desired for LAM should provide acceptable morphology and not interfere with RNA or with subsequent molecular analysis techniques. To determine a reliable stain for analysing RNA, using the housekeeping gene, RPL13A, we performed quantitative gene expression analysis of laser microdissected cells from prostatic frozen tissues. The frozen sections were histochemically stained with hematoxylin, methyl green, toluidine blue O and May-Grunwald. After laser microdissection real-time quantitative RT-PCR was performed. Methyl green yielded more RT-PCR product than did the other dyes. The lowest yield of amplification was obtained after May-Grunwald staining. Therefore we recommend methyl green for general use in gene expression analysis, especially when handling small amounts of RNA.

Ethidium↗