Proteome analysis of livers from LEC rats using proteins separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis

Abstract

Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats have been used as an animal model for human Wilson's disease. LEC rats developed hepatic abnormalities due to accumulation of copper in the liver. The aim of this study was to search for liver proteins related to Wilson's disease. The livers from LEC and WKAH/Hkm rats (12 and 16 weeks of age) were homogenized and performed using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). Their 2-DE spots were analyzed by an image analysis software for comparison of protein quantity. Although no significant difference was observed between the two strain rats of 12 weeks, 17 spots were different between the two of 16 weeks. One spot of 36.5 kDa was positive in the WKAH rat, but was negative in the LEC rat. Four spots were denser by 1.5 times in the LEC than in the WKAH, Two of them were denser by around 7 times. On the other hand, 8 of 12 spots were much thinner by 2 times in the LEC than in WKAH. These results suggest that two-dimensional electrophoresis may be useful for the study of Wilson's disease. [J Physiol Sci. 2006;56 Suppl:S122]