Cytokine gene expression: analysis using northern blotting, polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization.
We describe here the use of northern blotting, PCR and in situ hybridization for the analysis of cytokine gene expression. These techniques, each with their advantages and disadvantages, have been used to monitor cytokine gene expression in sites of immune reactivity and in the developing thymus. Whilst expression of a gene usually correlates well with protein production from that gene, this may not always be the case. The development of methods to analyze protein production in situ, for instance by immunohistochemistry, together with analysis of mRNA expression will allow us to begin to understand the role of cytokines within the immune system of the intact animal.
Dallman
M J
MJ
Nuffield Department of Surgery, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, UK.
Montgomery
R A
RA
Larsen
C P
CP
Wanders
A
A
Wells
A F
AF
D000818:Animals; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D015870:Gene Expression; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000235:genetics; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014181:Transplantation Immunology / Q000235:genetics
D016207:Cytokines; D012333:RNA, Messenger