ISSN:
1573-4927
Keywords:
rat
;
liver regeneration
;
partial hepatectomy
;
homeobox
;
Hox
;
caudal-related gene (Cdx)
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract Homeobox (HBox) genes are well-known to be involved in development and differentiation. To ascertain a role of HBox genes in the process of liver regeneration, we identified HBox genes expressed at various times after partial hepatectomy in rats (at 0 hr, 1 hr, 2 days, and 4 days) by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), cloning, and sequencing techniques. By the competitive RT-PCR method using generic primers, expression levels of HBox genes in regenerating livers were estimated at as low as only 0.4–2% of that in 14-day embryonic liver; however, we identified multiple HBox genes at different stages. Comparing sets of HBox genes identified at different stages, we could find two candidates of stage specifically expressed HBox genes (one rat caudal-related gene,RCdx-3, stimulated at 1 hr, and one rat Hox gene,RHoxB5, repressed after hepatectomy) and continuous expression of five Hox genes (RHoxA1, A4, A5, B2, andB3) before and after hepatectomy. These HBox genes are considered to correlate with the process of liver regeneration.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02396236
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