Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Using an Automated Cell Counter to Simplify Gene Expression Studies: siRNA Knockdown of IL-4 Dependent Gene Expression in Namalwa Cells
Published on: April 14, 2010
[Expression of genes for neurotransmitter transporters in astrocytes in different brain regions in experiment]
N N Shusharina1, M V Patrushev1, E V Silina2
1Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia.
Aim:
To investigate the expression of transporters of different neurotransmitters (glutamate, aspartate, lactate, choline) in the culture of astrocytes isolated from different regions of the brain (cortex, hippocampus and brainstem) in 3- and 11-day rats.
Material And Methods:
An experimental study was performed on 24 3- (n=12) and 11-days (n=12) old rats (Rattus norvegicus). The results of high-performance sequencing were analyzed.
Results:
The expression of glutamate and aspartate transporters in the brainstem of 3-day rats was higher than in other regions, however, an opposite effect was observed in 11-day rats. The expression of lactate transporters with age became identical to those of the cortex.
Conclusion:
The data demonstrate the particular qualities of neuro-astrocytic connections and the important role of astrocytes in signal transmission. Results of the study performed by using genetic methods developed by the authors for the study of neurotransmitter transporters make it possible to recommend these methods to control the neurogenesis and neurohomeostasis, including in cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
Related Concept Videos
What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
What is Gene Expression?
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...
mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability

