cDNA array screening differentially expressed gene in liver regeneration

Objective: To screen the differentially expressed gene in liver regeneration with cDNA array and gain insight of the pathogenesis of the acute hepatic failure. Methods: Acute liver failure model in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat was induced by 95% hepatectomy. The differential expression profiles in regenerating rat liver were studied by a cDNA array representing 1176 cDNA clusters. Some genes were randomly selected from a pool of differentially expressed genes and subjected to RT-PCR to further confirm the result from microarray hybridization. Results: The alterations of transcription levels were noted in the expressions of 188 genes. There were 138 genes with their expression up-regulated such as growth factors, PCNA, ribosomal proteins, IL6 and CDKs which were associated with cell cycle regulation, stress, metabolism and proliferation. Conclusion: cDNA array is a powerful tool to explore the gene expression of acute liver failure and is potential for the diagnosis and treatment of liver regeneration.