Microdissection of tissue sections: Application to the molecular genetic characterisation of premalignant lesions

The characterisation of the early molecular genetic events of tumor develop ment depends on the selective procurement of histopathologically defined sm all cell populations from premalignant tissue. In order to obtain high-qual ity DNA, mRNA and proteins from these small tissue samples and even from si ngle cells, tissue microdissection is one of the most useful techniques, be coming increasingly important for molecular pathologists. Using different m icrodissection techniques which allow the isolation of morphologically defi ned cell populations under direct visualisation, it is now feasible to stud y molecular genetic events that drive the multistep evolution in tumours. T his review aims to present the current techniques of tissue microdissection and these techniques are discussed in the tight of their ability to isolat e premalignant cell populations in particular. Furthermore, we describe the subsequent application of several multiplex molecular analyses for charact erising the microdissected premalignant cells. Applying these advanced tech niques, alterations in the cellular DNA or the fluctuation of expressed gen es that correlate with a particular stage of carcinogenesis can ultimately be compared within or between individual patients. Thus, these new technolo gies will have an enormous impact on molecular pathology with several diagn ostic, prognostic and therapeutic implications. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.