Gene-expression profiling of breast cells purified with laser microdissection: identification of genes associated with tumor development

Comparative and functional genomics are powerful tools to advance the understanding of the molecular basis of cancer. Breast carcinoma is a complex disease characterized by accumulation of multiple genetic alterations, and the understanding of the molecular basis of mammary tumorigenesis is still incomplete. To identify molecular mechanisms involved in breast carcinogenesis, we analysed gene-expression profiles of normal breast tissue, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and invasive ductal carcinoma using six surgical specimens of two patients. As DCIS or ductal breast carcinomas usually contain a variable proport…