抄録
We sought to identify novel gene(s) expressed specifically in the LC and to elucidate its function. The tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-green fluorescence protein (GFP) transgenic mouse was used. The pontine region containing the LC, obtained from E.14.5 or E.18.5 mice, was dissected out. Dispersed cells underwent sorting by flow cytometry (FACS), and GFP-labeled NA neurons were collected with high precision. The transcripts expressed in the LC-NA neurons were compared with those expressed in controls by GeneChip (Affymetrix). The categorically different transcripts, expressed selectively in the LC, included transcription factors, transporters, ion channels, enzymes, and miscellaneous proteins. Selected species of transcripts was localized to the LC by in situ hybridization. We focused on the transcription factors, expressed in the LC neurons with high selectivity, and examined whether these may modulate the gene expression of catecholamine synthesizing enzymes. Expression assay was done in a cell line which was co-transfected with the ORF of the respective transcription factor and a construct with each one of the promoter of catecholamine synthesizing enzymes plus luciferase. As a result, we identified transcription factors which enhanced gene expression of the enzymes. [J Physiol Sci. 2008;58 Suppl:S57]
