Identification of genes predominantly expressed in human macrophages

• Identification of cell and tissue specific genes may provide novel insights to signaling systems and functions. Macrophages play a key role in many diseases including atherosclerosis. Using DNA microarrays we compared the expression of approximately 10,000 genes in 56 human tissues and identified 23 genes with predominant expression in macrophages. The identified genes include both genes known to be macrophage specific and genes previously not well described in this cell type. Tissue distribution of two genes, liver X receptor (LXR) alpha and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN), was verified by real-time RT-PCR. We conclude that comparison of expression profiles from a large number of tissues can be used to identify genes that are predominantly expressed in certain tissues. Identification of novel macrophage specific genes may increase our understanding of the role of this cell in different diseases.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

DNA-Binding Proteins

Humans

Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein

Macrophages/chemistry/*physiology

Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis

Receptors

Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/*genetics

Sialoglycoproteins/*genetics

Tissue Distribution

Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis

Atherosclerosis

DNA microarray

Human

IL1RN

Macrophages

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)