Gene expression profiling of drug metabolism and toxicology markers using a low-density DNA microarray.

DNA microarrays are useful tools to study changes of gene expression in response to a treatment with drugs. Here, we describe the optimization of conditions for the cDNA synthesis and hybridization protocols to be used for a low-density DNA microarray called 'Rat HepatoChips.' This DNA microarray with 59 carefully selected genes could be used to study changes in gene expression levels due to a treatment with xenobiotic.