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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Cell Type-specific Gene Expression Profiling in the Mouse Liver
Published on: September 17, 2019
Gene expression profile analyses of mice livers injured by Leigongteng
Yong Chen1, Xiao-Ming Zhang, Feng-Mei Han
1Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, Hubei Province, China. cy101610@npc.gov.cn
Aim:
To analyze the gene expression profiles of mice livers injured by Leigongteng and explore the relationship between the differentially expressed genes and liver damage.
Methods:
The experimental mice were randomly divided into a control group and a liver-injured group in which the mice were administrated 33 mu gamma of triptolide/kg per day for 30 d. Liver mRNAs were extracted from animals in both groups and were reverse-transcribed to cDNA with dUTP labeled by different fluorescence (Cy3, Cy5) as hybridization probes. The mixed probes were hybridized with oligonucleotide microarray chips. The fluorescent signal results were acquired by scanner and analyzed with software.
Results:
Among the 35852 target genes, 29 genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed, with 20 genes up-regulated and 9 genes down-regulated. The reliability of the differentially expressed genes was validated by RT-PCR experiments of 5 randomly selected differentially expressed genes.
Conclusion:
Based on the biological functions of the differentially expressed genes, it is obvious that the occurrence and development of liver damage induced by Leigongteng in mice are highly associated with immune response, metabolism, apoptosis and the cell skeleton of liver cells. This might be important for elucidating the regulatory network of gene expression associated with liver damage and it may also be important for discovering the pathogenic mechanisms of liver damage induced by Leigongteng.
Insights
Leigongteng administration in mice significantly altered gene expression in the liver, impacting immune response and metabolism. These changes are linked to the development of liver injury, offering insights into pathogenic mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- * Molecular biology
- * Toxicology
- * Genomics
Background:
- * Leigongteng (triptolide) is a compound known to cause liver injury.
- * Understanding the molecular mechanisms of Leigongteng-induced liver damage is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To analyze gene expression profiles in mouse livers following Leigongteng administration.
- * To identify differentially expressed genes associated with liver damage.
- * To explore the relationship between these genes and the pathogenesis of liver injury.
Main Methods:
- * Mice were divided into control and Leigongteng-treated groups.
- * Liver mRNA was extracted, reverse-transcribed, and labeled with fluorescent dyes.
- * Oligonucleotide microarray hybridization was performed, followed by data acquisition and analysis.
Main Results:
- * Out of 35,852 genes analyzed, 29 showed significant differential expression (20 up-regulated, 9 down-regulated).
- * The reliability of these differentially expressed genes was confirmed using RT-PCR.
Conclusions:
- * Leigongteng-induced liver damage in mice is strongly associated with alterations in immune response, metabolism, apoptosis, and cell skeleton pathways.
- * These findings contribute to understanding the gene regulatory network and pathogenic mechanisms of Leigongteng-induced liver toxicity.
