Microarray gene expression analysis offers great promise to help us understand the molecular events of experimental
carcinogenesis, but have such promises been fulfilled? Studies of gene expression profiles of rodent are being published and demonstrate that yes, indeed, gene array data is furthering our understanding of
tumor biology. Recent studies have identified differentially expressed genes in rodent mammary, colon, lung, and liver
tumors. Although relatively few genes on the rodent arrays have been fully characterized, information has been generated to better identify signatures of histologic type and grade, understand invasion and
metastasis, identify candidate
biomarkers of early development, identify gene networks in
carcinogenesis, understand responses to
therapy, and decifer overlap with molecular events in human
cancers. Data from mouse lung, mammary gland, and liver
tumor studies are reviewed as examples of how to approach and interpret gene array data. Methods of gene array data analysis were also applied for discovery of genes involved in the regression of mouse liver
tumors induced by
chlordane, a nongenotoxic murine hepatocarcinogen. Promises are beginning to be fulfilled and it is clear that pathologists and toxicologists, in collaboration with molecular biologists, bioinformatists,and other scientists are making great strides in the design, analysis, and interpretation of microarray data for
cancer studies.