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Multidrug resistance gene expression during the murine ontogeny
M Schiengold1, L Schwantes, G Schwartsmann
1Genetics Department, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Avenue Bento Gonçalves 9500-C.P. 15053, 91.501-970 Porto Alegre, Brazil. marion@if.ufrgs.br
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|April 20, 2001
Summary
Multidrug resistance (MDR) gene expression varies significantly across mouse organs and ages. Increased expression in older mice suggests a role for these genes in natural defense mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Multidrug resistance (MDR) involves resistance to various drugs, initially observed in tumor cells.
- MDR genes and their P glycoprotein (Pgp) product are studied for physiological roles, including xenobiotic protection.
- Three mdr isoforms are known in mice, expressed in normal tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the expression of mdr1, mdr2, and mdr3 isoforms in different mouse organs during development.
- To investigate variations in mdr gene expression across individuals, organs, and age groups in mice.
Main Methods:
- Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was used to quantify mdr isoform expression.
- Expression levels were analyzed in various organs of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice across different developmental stages.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in mdr gene expression were observed among individual mice of the same strain.
- Expression levels differed across various organs within the same age group and across different age groups.
- A trend towards increased expression of multiple active mdr isoforms was noted in older mice.
Conclusions:
- MDR isoforms exhibit a broad expression range in mice, indicating a potential role in natural defense.
- Ontogenetic and inter-individual variability in mdr expression highlights complex regulatory mechanisms.
- The findings suggest that mdr genes contribute to the body's defense against foreign substances.