TopThe high degree of complexity of neuronal networks at the anatomical and physiological level is likely to be orchestrated by a similarly complex ensemble of genes that are differentially expressed in distinct neuronal types and populations. Here we use computational tools to search for genes that show differential patterns of expression in the medial temporal lobe (MTL). We chose to start our studies in the MTL given the prominent role of these areas in memory and emotional processes as well as their amenity for experimental studies. We use data derived from several DNA microarray experiments that allow us to simultaneously interrogate the levels of transcription of several thousand genes in a quantitative manner. We compare the levels of basal expression in the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex and amygdala against those in other brain regions including the cerebellum, cortex, caudate nucleus, olfactory bulb, midbrain, corpus callosum and thalamus. We show that there are several transcripts in the hippocampus, amygdala and other regions within the medial temporal lobe that show expression levels several times beyond their transcriptional levels in other brain regions (and other body regions as well). The expression of groups of genes that show similar transcriptional patterns may indicate common regulatory mechanisms. We retrieve the upstream sequences of all the transcripts with high expression levels and describe novel computational tools to search for potentially regulatory mechanisms. We show new putative regulatory regions that may play an important role in directing genetic expression in the MTL.
Citation:
G. Kreiman. COMPUTATIONAL SEARCH FOR DIFFERENTIAL GENE EXPRESSION AND REGULATION IN THE MEDIAL TEMPORAL LOBE Program No. 478.1. 2002 Abstract Viewer/Itinerary Planner. Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience, 2002. Online.