Novel multi-probe RNase protection assay set for detection of endotoxin associated receptors gene expression

Yong-hua Chen1, Jian-xin Jiang, Chang-lin Li

  • 1Research Institute of Surgery, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China.

Abstract

Insights

A new ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) multi-probe set was developed to simultaneously detect MD-2, TLR4, and CD14 mRNA expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This tool reveals transient gene expression changes following LPS stimulation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling is crucial in innate immunity.
  • MD-2 and CD14 are essential co-receptors for TLR4 activation by lipopolysaccharides (LPS).
  • Understanding the dynamic expression of these genes is vital for studying inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a multi-probe ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) template set.
  • To enable simultaneous detection of MD-2, TLR4, and CD14 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression.
  • To analyze gene expression patterns in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Main Methods:

  • cDNA fragments for MD-2, TLR4, and CD14 were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
  • Cloned fragments into an expression plasmid with a T7 promoter for anti-sense RNA probe synthesis.
  • Extracted total RNA from PBMCs and performed RPA to detect target mRNAs.

Main Results:

  • The multi-probe template set was validated by sequencing and successfully used in RPA.
  • TLR4, MD-2, and CD14 mRNA levels were quantified in human PBMCs.
  • A transient decrease in the expression of these three genes was observed 1-3 hours post-LPS stimulation.

Conclusions:

  • A novel RPA multi-probe set was successfully constructed.
  • This tool allows for simultaneous quantitative determination of TLR4, CD14, and MD-2 mRNA expression.
  • The assay is valuable for studying both constitutive and inducible gene expression patterns.