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Global analysis of neutrophil gene expression
P E Newburger1, Y V Subrahmanyam, S M Weissman
1Department of Pediatrics and Molecular Genetics/Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worchester 01605, USA. peter.newburger@umassmed.edu
Current Opinion in Hematology
|December 23, 1999
Summary
Neutrophils, often thought to be incapable of gene expression, can rapidly change their gene expression. These immune cells synthesize new signaling molecules, challenging previous views of their function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neutrophils are traditionally viewed as terminally differentiated cells with limited gene expression capacity due to a condensed nucleus.
- This perspective overlooks their potential for dynamic genetic regulation and functional adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the global gene expression capabilities of neutrophils.
- To challenge the established view of neutrophils as transcriptionally inert cells.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of neutrophil gene expression using a gel-based method to display 3' end cDNA fragments.
- Assessment of mRNA levels across the entire cellular repertoire.
Main Results:
- Neutrophils exhibit extensive, rapid, and complex changes in gene expression, affecting a significant percentage of their mRNAs.
- The magnitude of these mRNA responses is comparable to activated T cells.
- Activated neutrophils produce newly synthesized intercellular signaling molecules.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophils possess a greater capacity for gene expression regulation than previously understood.
- These findings reveal neutrophils as active participants in immune responses through dynamic gene regulation and signaling molecule production.