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Characterization of Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells by Imaging Flow Cytometry: A Comparison between Two Monocyte Isolation Protocols
Published on: October 18, 2016
Profiling of genes expressed in human monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells using cDNA expression array
1Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
British Journal of Haematology
|July 27, 2001
Summary
Gene expression profiles reveal significant changes during monocyte to dendritic cell (DC) differentiation. Key genes involved in cell structure, migration, and proliferation are upregulated in DCs, while cell cycle regulators are downregulated.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial antigen-presenting cells that bridge innate and adaptive immunity.
- Understanding gene expression changes during DC differentiation from monocytes is vital for immune response studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize gene expression profiles of CD14+ monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs).
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying DC differentiation and maturation.
Main Methods:
- Human cDNA expression array analysis of 588 genes in monocytes and DCs.
- Semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for validation.
Main Results:
- 22 genes upregulated and 9 genes downregulated in DCs compared to monocytes.
- Upregulated genes include those related to differentiation, cell structure, migration, and proliferation (e.g., TNF-alpha, TNFRII).
- Downregulated genes include cell cycle regulators (e.g., IFN-gamma, GM-CSFR).
- TNF-alpha and TNFRII gene expression shows a 'switch-on' step in immature DCs for maturation.
Conclusions:
- Monocyte-derived DC differentiation involves significant alterations in gene expression.
- Specific upregulated genes (TNF-alpha, TNFRII) are critical for DC maturation.
- Downregulation of cell cycle regulators suggests a role in terminal differentiation.
