title: T-cell receptor gene rearrangement studies as a diagnostic tool in lymphoproliferative skin diseases.
abstract: The growth of our knowledge in T-cell biology, in particular the molecular biology of the T-cell receptor (TCR), has provided a means to molecularly characterize lymphoproliferative diseases of the skin based on the presence or absence of a clonal population of T lymphocytes. TCR gene rearrangement studies, by Southern blot analysis, have aided the investigative dermatologist in gaining insights into the pathogenesis and clonal evolution of lymphoproliferative skin diseases. In addition, the application of TCR gene rearrangement studies as a diagnostic aid in the evaluation of lymphoproliferative skin diseases has been introduced into clinical dermatology. Despite its enormous research value, TCR gene rearrangement studies presently have limited applications as an independent diagnostic tool. However, as our knowledge and experience grows and as the application of new techniques provides us with greater detection sensitivity and specificity, the diagnostic utility of TCR gene rearrangement studies will be enhanced.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Lessin
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Rook
mesh_terms: D015139:Blotting, Southern; D015329:Gene Rearrangement, T-Lymphocyte; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D016410:Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers