This review briefly explores future directions for gene expression research
in Alzheimer disease (AD). Two complementary techniques, differential disp
lay and gene expression arrays, allow researchers to identify differentiall
y expressed genes. These techniques promote a systematic examination of gen
e expression. Ln conjunction with a technique that allows the isolation of
mRNA from individual cells, differential display and gene expression array
technology can be used to examine AD-induced changes in gene expression pat
terns in individual cells. This area of research should elucidate informati
on that will provide a greater understanding of the pathological processes
in AD and aid in the development of therapeutic agents.