Laser capture microdissection reveals dose-response of gene expression in situ consequent to asbestos exposure.

The genes that mediate fibroproliferative lung disease remain to be defined. Prior studies from our laboratory showed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry that the genes coding for tumour necrosis factor alpha, transforming growth factor beta, the platelet-derived growth factor A and B isoforms, and alpha-1 pro-collagen are expressed in fibroproliferative lesions that develop quickly after asbestos inhalation. These five genes, along with matrix metalloproteinase 9, a collagenase found to be increased in several lung diseases, are known to control matrix production and cell proliferation in humans and animals.