Abstract: Some aspects relate to methods for genetic analysis of selected cells from within a heterogeneous population of cells. The population of cells first can be partitioned. Selected cells are identified by imaging, and then specifically targeted and lysed by irradiation with an energy beam, resulting in specific release of their cellular contents into the culture medium. The culture medium then can be sampled and assayed for the desired nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for producing amplified RNA from a selected set of cells. This method combines and utilizes known methods in a novel way to produce the gene expression profiles. The methods of the present invention utilize thermostable DNA polymerases and RNase H to produce high fidelity second strand synthesis of nucleic acids from selected cells in a highly efficient mariner and in substantially reduced time.

Abstract: To preserve RNA in a biological sample for analysis, the sample is incubated with an RNA preservative capable of precipitating RNA in an aqueous solution, such as a triphenylmethane dye (e.g., methyl green, crystal violet, pararosaniline, or tris-(4-aminophenyl)methane), cresyl violet, or cobalt ions. RNA preservation may be used in an immunostaining assay and other histochemical methods.

Abstract: Methods are described for eliminating single-stranded oligonucleotides from a sample prior to RNA transcription, thereby reducing non-template derived production of RNA. In one embodiment, a sample containing the template for RNA transcription is treated with one or more exonucleases to remove single-stranded oligonucleotides from the reaction mixture prior to RNA transcription. In another embodiment, the sample containing the template for RNA transcription is contacted with an oligonucleotide complementary to the single-stranded oligonucleotide present in the sample, and allowed to hybridize to form double-stranded oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for producing amplified RNA from a selected set of cells. This method combines and utilizes known methods in a novel way to produce the gene expression profiles. The methods of the present invention utilize thermostable DNA polymerases and RNase H to produce high fidelity second strand synthesis of nucleic acids from selected cells in a highly efficient mariner and in substantially reduced time.

Abstract: Implementing gene expression to study drug action in the central nervous system is complicated by functional heterogeneity because of the existence of many different neuronal subtypes within the mammalian brain. The integration of laser capture microdissection (LCM) and RNA amplification with cDNA microarray technology allows for large-scale gene expression analysis at cellular level. Using this approach, we have generated gene expression profiles of imipramine, a reference antidepressant, and a new putative antidepressant, novelR1 in several laser-captured brain nuclei (locus coeruleus, dorsal raphe, hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and hippocampus) of rats subjected to the chronic mild stress model (CMS) of depression.