Differential expressions of BMPR1α, ACTN4α and FABP7 in Hirschsprung disease

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is characterized by the absence of intramural ganglion cells in the nerve plexuses of the distal gut. Recent studies have shown that the bone morphogenetic protein receptor-type IA (BMPR1α), actinin-alpha 4 (ACTN4α) and fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7) play important roles in the differentiation and development of neurons. The aganglionic (stenotic) and the ganglionic (normal) colon segment tissues of 60 HSCR patients were collected to investigate the expression pattern of BMPR1α, ACTININ-4α and FABP7 using RT-PCR, quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of BMPR1α and ACTN4α were higher in the stenotic colon segment tissue than those in the normal colon segment tissue. However, the mRNA and protein expressions of FABP7 were lower in the stenotic colon segment tissue than those in the normal colon segment tissue. The study in HSCR patients, findings in mRNA and protein alterations to expecting provide more information to in order to find some clue for the pathomechanism of HSCR disease.