16 Quantification of Gene Expression in Mouse and Human Renal Proximal Tubules

The kidney consists of many functional modules called nephrons. Each nephron has a tubular structure made up of several structurally and functionally distinct segments. The analysis of individual segments requires the use of microdissection techniques. We describe protocols that have been used to successfully isolate messenger RNA from proximal tubules of both freshly prepared and archival samples using laser capture microdissection and laser-manipulated microdissection.