Quantification of prion gene expression in brain and peripheral organs of golden hamster by real-time RT-PCR

Determination of tissue-specific expression of cellular prion protein (PrPc) is essential for understanding its poorly explained role in organisms. Herein we report on quantification of PrP mRNA in golden hamsters, a popular experimental model for studying mechanisms of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE), by real-time RT-PCR. Total RNA was isolated from four different regions of the brain and six peripheral organs of eight golden hamsters. PrP mRNA copy numbers were determined using absolute standard curve method with real-time quantitative PCR instrument. It was found that high mRNA levels were present in all four regions of the brain examined, including obex, neocortex, cerebellum, and thalamus. In peripheral organs examined, inguinal lymph node showed high level of the expression similar to that in overall brain; spleen, heart, liver, and lung showed moderate levels of the expression; and kidney showed the lowest expression. Our result is consistent with the potential involvement of different organs in prion diseases and offers essential data for further study of TSE mechanism in this animal model.