RENAL GENE-EXPRESSION

The advent of cloned DNA probes has revolutionized the study of cells and tissues via the technique of hybridization histochemistry. Because of the intrinsic specificity of the probes the application of the technique to functionally complex and morphologically diverse tissue like the kidney has been especially rewarding. The technology has been advanced enormously by the parallel development of synthesized DNA or oligonucleotides. A specific synthetic probe can be manufactured in a day, purified, labeled and used to determine in which cells a particular gene of interest is being expressed (''switched on''). The applications of this technology are particularly apposite in the renal field. They can provide unique insights into normal physiological processes and will provide new diagnostic approaches of unparalleled specificity. Some specific examples have been chosen over a wide range of institute programs to highlight the potential value of the technique of hybridization histochemistry and to emphasize its potential for studying renal physiology and pathology.