RNA-binding proteins to assess gene expression states of co-cultivated cells in response to tumor cells.
BACKGROUND
Tumors and complex tissues consist of mixtures of communicating cells that differ significantly in their gene expression status. In order to understand how different cell types influence one another's gene expression, it will be necessary to monitor the mRNA profiles of each cell type independently and to dissect the mechanisms that regulate their gene expression outcomes.


RESULTS
In order to approach these questions, we have used RNA-binding proteins such as ELAV/Hu, poly (A) binding protein (PABP) and cap-binding protein (eIF-4E) as reporters of gene expression. Here we demonstrate that the epitope-tagged RNA binding protein, PABP, expressed separately in tumor cells and endothelial cells can be used to discriminate their respective mRNA targets from mixtures of these cells without significant mRNA reassortment or exchange. Moreover, using this approach we identify a set of endothelial genes that respond to the presence of co-cultured breast tumor cells.


CONCLUSIONS
RNA-binding proteins can be used as reporters to elucidate components of operational mRNA networks and operons involved in regulating cell-type specific gene expression in tissues and tumors.
Penalva
Luiz O F
LO
Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for RNA biology, 414 Jones Building, Research Drive, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. penalva@uthscsa.edu
Burdick
Michael D
MD
Lin
Simon M
SM
Sutterluety
Hedwig
H
Keene
Jack D
JD
D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000235:genetics*; D002460:Cell Line; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D000939:Epitopes; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008325:Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D051379:Mice; D039102:Poly(A)-Binding Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics
D000939:Epitopes; D039102:Poly(A)-Binding Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger