Abstract
Purpose: :
To identify the key genes involved in modulating the biological process of angiogenesis in the very–low–density–lipoprotein–receptor mutant (vldlr–/–) mouse with subretinal neovascularization.
Methods: :
Total RNA was isolated from retina of the vldlr–/– mouse and C57BL/6 wildtype mouse at 3 weeks of age. Oligo GEArray mouse angiogenesis microarray was used to profile the expression of genes involved in the initial stage of retinal angiogenesis. Semi–quantitative RT–PCR was performed to compare and verify the mRNA levels of these genes between the mutant and the wildtype.
Results: :
67 of the114 genes known to be involved in the angiogenic process were detected in mouse retina in both wildtype and mutant mice at 3 weeks age. The expression map in the wildtype matched that in the mutant. Significant changes of the expression levels of 14 genes were found. VEGF–B, VEGF receptor 1 (Flt1), VEGF receptor 2 (Flk1) and neuropilin were increased in the mutant retina than in the wildtypes. The expressions of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and bFGF were also significantly increased in the initial stage of angiogenesis. However, no significant change of VEGF–A level was noticed in the initial stage of retinal angiogenesis.
Conclusions: :
The results indicate that the expression pattern of angiogenic related genes in vldlr–/– mouse retina is not significantly altered by the knock out of vldlr. However, PDGF, bFGF, VEGF–B as well as VEGF receptors maybe involved in the retinal angiogenesis at early age.
Keywords: gene microarray • neovascularization • retina