title: [Microdissection--an important tool in molecular biology].
abstract: Our knowledge of cell biology is increasing rapidly through the introduction of new molecular biology techniques. Pathological processes always involve a number of cell types; obviously, there is a critical need to know exactly what is being examined. This can be achieved by applying in situ techniques (immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and in situ PCR) on the light microscopical and electron microscopical levels. Microdissection of cells/tissues is an alternative approach. This can be done manually or with the help of a laser, which allows the dissection of single cells. The methods can be used on frozen tissues as well as on paraffin embedded material. Although the ensuing DNA material is not always optimal for further analysis, it is possible to apply special techniques to approve the situation, such as whole genome amplification PCR. Microdissection of cell clones allows us to analyse interactions between tumour cells and stromal cells. Microdissection is based on a simple principle and has proved to be very important in molecular biology analysis of histological material.
authors.affiliation: Medisinsk avdeling Sykehuset Ostfold Moss. hege.giercksky@labmed.uio.no
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Giercksky
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Nesland
mesh_terms: D002999:Clone Cells; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000032:analysis; D004210:Dissection / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary; D008853:Microscopy / Q000295:instrumentation; D008967:Molecular Biology
chemical_list: D018076:DNA, Complementary