Background/purpose: Studies of the genetic regulation of various physiologic processes have been hampered by methodologies that are limited to the analysis of individual genes. The advent of cDNA microarray technology has permitted the simultaneous screening of numerous genes for alterations in expression. In this study, cDNA microarrays were used to evaluate gene expression changes during the intestinal adaptive response to massive small bowel resection (SBR).
Methods: Male ICR mice (n = 20) underwent either a 50% SBR or sham operation and then were given either orogastric epidermal growth factor (EGF, 50 microg/kg/d) or saline. After 3 days, cDNA microarray analysis was performed on mRNA extracted from the remnant ileum.
Results: From over 8,700 different genes, the array identified 27 genes that were altered 2-fold or greater after SBR. Small proline-rich protein 2 (sprr2), the gene with the greatest expression change (4.9-fold), was further upregulated by EGF. This gene has never been characterized in the intestine or described in intestinal adaptation.
Conclusions: cDNA microarray analysis showed enhanced expression of sprr2, a gene not previously known to be involved in the physiology of adaptation after SBR. This technology provides a more rapid and efficient means of dissecting the complex genetic regulation of gut adaptation.