Differential display of eukaryotic mRNA: Meeting the demands of the new millennium?

Differential display of eukaryotic mRNA (DD) was introduced in 1992 as a powerful new method for the identification and cloning of differentially expressed eukaryotic genes. Compared to existing methods, DD was technically simple and fast, and offered superior sensitivity and information generation capabilities. It quickly found wide-ranging application in many areas of biology. Ever since, many modifications have been suggested to deal with the criticisms inherent to the design of the technique. The majority of these proposed improved primer designs, which would facilitate the detection of rare mRNAs and eliminate false positives. Others sought to simplify the process through which DD results are verified. Even though molecular genetics and biology are in the process of being revolutionized by DNA array technology, DD remains a merited companion for the molecular biologist of the new millennium.