A new strategy to identify and annotate human RPE-specific gene expression.

ABSTRACT:

Background

To identify and functionally annotate cell type-specific gene expression in the human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a key tissue involved in age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

Methodology

RPE, photoreceptor and choroidal cells were isolated from selected freshly frozen healthy human donor eyes using laser microdissection. RNA isolation, amplification and hybridization to 44 k microarrays was carried out according to Agilent specifications. Bioinformatics was carried out using Rosetta Resolver, David and Ingenuity software.

Principal findings

Our previous 22 k analysis of the RPE transcriptome showed that the RPE has high levels of protein synthesis, strong energy demands, is exposed to high levels of oxidative stress and a variab

SUBMITTER: Booij JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2866542 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature