Identification of novel genes expressed in hypoxic brain condition by fluorescence differential display

Fluorescence differential display (FDD) and comparative RT-PCR have been used extensively to detect differentially expressed genes. We investigated hypoxia-induced gene expression in the brain by FDD-PCR and comparative RT-PCR. Mice were anaesthetized after which hypoxia was induced by neck ligation for 1 min or 25 min, then were killed by decapitation, and the brains were dissected either immediately or 30 min after death (Group A1-0, Group A25-0, Group A1-30 and Group A25-30). Control mice without ligation of the neck were killed by decapitation under anaesthesia immediately (Group C-0) or 30 min after death (Group C-30). FDD-PCR, sequence analysis and comparative RT-PCR revealed that mitochondrial thymidine kinase 2, Rab6, selenoprotein T and two novel cDNAs were enhanced in Group A25-0 and Group A25-30 compared with the other groups. In Group A25-30, only RAP2 interacting protein and another novel cDNA were induced. In Group A25-0, one novel gene was detected. These findings were consistent with the results of statistical analysis by ANOVA. No differences of band pattern were observed among Groups A1-0, A1-30, C-0 and C-30. The genes exhibiting altered expression were associated with vital cellular functions, e.g., intracellular signaling and mitochondrial metabolism. In addition, we identified four novel genes, expressed after extended hypoxic conditions in mouse brain with suffocation. These results may contribute to clarify the pathophysiology of asphyxia in the brain and aid in the diagnosis of suffocation.