Identification of genes predominantly expressed in human macrophages.
Identification of cell and tissue specific genes may provide novel insights to signaling systems and functions. Macrophages play a key role in many diseases including atherosclerosis. Using DNA microarrays we compared the expression of approximately 10,000 genes in 56 human tissues and identified 23 genes with predominant expression in macrophages. The identified genes include both genes known to be macrophage specific and genes previously not well described in this cell type. Tissue distribution of two genes, liver X receptor (LXR) alpha and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN), was verified by real-time RT-PCR. We conclude that comparison of expression profiles from a large number of tissues can be used to identify genes that are predominantly expressed in certain tissues. Identification of novel macrophage specific genes may increase our understanding of the role of this cell in different diseases.
Svensson
Per-Arne
PA
Department of Internal Medicine, Research Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vita Stråket 12, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, S-41345 Göteborg, Sweden. per-arne.svensson@medic.gu.se
Hägg
Daniel A
DA
Jernås
Margareta
M
Englund
Mikael C O
MC
Hulten
Lillemor Mattsson
LM
Ohlsson
Bertil G
BG
Hulthe
Johannes
J
Wiklund
Olov
O
Carlsson
Björn
B
Fagerberg
Björn
B
Carlsson
Lena M S
LM
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D006801:Humans; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; D000071518:Liver X Receptors; D008264:Macrophages / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; D057093:Orphan Nuclear Receptors; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / Q000235:genetics*; D012795:Sialoglycoproteins / Q000235:genetics*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C507763:IL1RN protein, human; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; D000071518:Liver X Receptors; C000605213:NR1H3 protein, human; D057093:Orphan Nuclear Receptors; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; D012795:Sialoglycoproteins