Analysis of genes dominantly expressed in rat cerebral endothelial cells using suppression subtractive hybridization

In mammals, a fully developed, highly branched vascular system specialized for each particular organ or tissue is essential for obtaining metabolic nutrients supply. The formation of a blood-brain barrier that protects against environmental insults is a distinguishing feature of the brain's vascular system. Since this is accomplished by cerebral endothelial cells (CECs), we analyzed the genes specifically and/or dominantly expressed in rat CECs using Suppression Subtractive Hybridization (SSH). We found 39 genes specifically and/or dominantly expressed in CECs. 24 genes of known function (thrombospondin-2, vimentin, etc.), 13 genes of known sequence but unknown function including 7 of ESTs (SNERG1, rat GPCR, etc.), and 2 novel genes. The physiological significance of these genes in CECs has been under investigation. SSH is useful for identifying genes regulated in an organ-specific manner in cells such as CECs to obtain clarification of their physiological roles.