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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Determining Genetic Expression Profiles in C. elegans Using Microarray and Real-time PCR
Published on: July 30, 2011
Homologs of genes expressed in Caenorhabditis elegans GABAergic neurons are also found in the developing mouse
Elizabeth A D Hammock1, Kathie L Eagleson, Susan Barlow
1Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. liz.hammock@vanderbilt.edu
Background:
In an effort to identify genes that specify the mammalian forebrain, we used a comparative approach to identify mouse homologs of transcription factors expressed in developing Caenorhabditis elegans GABAergic neurons. A cell-specific microarray profiling study revealed a set of transcription factors that are highly expressed in embryonic C. elegans GABAergic neurons.
Results:
Bioinformatic analyses identified mouse protein homologs of these selected transcripts and their expression pattern was mapped in the mouse embryonic forebrain by in situ hybridization. A review of human homologs indicates several of these genes are potential candidates in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Conclusions:
Our comparative approach has revealed several novel candidates that may serve as future targets for studies of mammalian forebrain development.
