mRNA expression in rabbit experimental aneurysms: a study using gene chip microarrays

Area of Science:

• Vascular Biology
• Molecular Medicine
• Genomics

Background:

• Intracranial aneurysm molecular characteristics remain poorly understood.
• Rabbit elastase aneurysm models aid in evaluating endovascular treatment strategies.
• Limited data exists on the molecular changes associated with aneurysm formation in animal models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document molecular changes in a rabbit elastase aneurysm model using gene chip microarrays.
• To compare gene expression profiles of aneurysms with contralateral carotid arteries.
• To identify molecular similarities between the rabbit aneurysm model and human intracranial aneurysms.

Main Methods:

• A custom rabbit gene microarray was developed.
• Saccular aneurysms were induced using elastase in the carotid artery of rabbits.
• RNA was isolated from aneurysms and contralateral arteries for microarray analysis.
• Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for validation.

Main Results:

• 46% of genes on the microarray showed differential expression in aneurysms compared to controls.
• Differential gene expression indicated altered molecular pathways.
• Rabbit aneurysms exhibited increased metalloproteinase activity and decreased extracellular matrix production, mirroring human intracranial aneurysms.
• RT-PCR confirmed the microarray findings.

Conclusions:

• The molecular profile of elastase-induced saccular aneurysms in rabbits is described.
• The rabbit aneurysm model shares key molecular features with human intracranial aneurysms.
• The developed rabbit gene chip microarray is a valuable tool for future molecular studies of saccular aneurysms.