Analysis of neuronal gene expression with laser capture microdissection JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH Vincent, V. A., DeVoss, J. J., Ryan, H. S., Murphy, G. M. 2002; 69 (5): 578-586

Abstract

The brain is a heterogeneous tissue in which the numbers of neurons, glia, and other cell types vary among anatomic regions. Gene expression studies performed on brain homogenates yield results reflecting mRNA abundance in a mixture of cell types. Therefore, a method for quantifying gene expression in individual cell populations would be useful. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a new technique for obtaining pure populations of cells from heterogeneous tissues. Most studies thus far have used LCM to detect DNA sequences. We developed a method to quantify gene expression in hippocampal neurons from mouse brain using LCM and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This method was optimized to permit histochemical or immunocytochemical visualization of nerve cells during LCM while minimizing RNA degradation. As an example, gene expression was quantified in hippocampal neurons from the Tg2576 mouse model for Alzheimer's disease.

View details for DOI 10.1002/jnr.10329

View details for Web of Science ID 000177745500002

View details for PubMedID 12210823