Cloning of apoptosis-related genes by representational difference analysis of cDNA

Apoptosis is frequently triggered by events that alter the expression of key target genes. Under these circumstances, the genes involved can be identified by techniques that analyze gene expression. Researchers now have a choice of reliable and effective methods for differential gene expression analysis. Comparative approaches, including gene microarray analysis, serial analysis of gene expression, and differential display provide global information about expression levels. Subtractive approaches like complementary DNA representational difference analysis (cDNA RDA) and suppression subtraction polymerase chain reaction identify a focused set of differentially expressed genes. The most suitable technique to apply depends on individual circumstances. cDNA RDA is particularly useful in nonstandard model organisms for which comprehensive gene microarrays are not available and is best used for the identification of genes with a large difference in expression levels between two populations. The technique involves the generation of amplified mixtures of cDNA fragments that are typically smaller than 1000 base pairs and represent >86% of mRNA species from each starting population. Transcriptional differences between two populations can then be identified by subtraction of cDNA amplicons followed by further polymerase chain reaction amplification. The technique is capable of detecting differences for genes expressed at less than one copy per cell and is achievable using standard laboratory apparatus. cDNA RDA can identify genes not previously described in the database, can detect low abundance transcripts (e.g., from mixed cell populations), and is best applied in experiments where relatively few differentially expressed genes are expected. Here, we describe the application of cDNA RDA to the identification of apoptosis-related genes.