Objective: To detect target genes for further study by way of analyzing the gene expression profiles of benzene poisoning by using cDNA microarray.
Methods: Peripheral mononuclear cells were isolated from seven patients with benzene poisoning of different degrees, and sevene age-and sex-matched normal subjects. Total RNA was extracted and purified, followed by revese transcription to cDNAs with concomitant incorporation of fluorescent dCTP (Cy3 or Cy5). The cDNAs were used as probes in microarray of 2780 cloned cDNA. Fluorescent signals were scanned to detect genes differentially expressed in patients and normal subjects.
Results: Among 7 pieces of cDNA microarray of 2780 tumour related genes, the expression of 16 genes, such as GRO1, TGFBR3, LYN ctc was upregulated, whereas the expression of 28 genes, such as FOSB, DJ-1, MCT-1 etc was down-regulated.
Conclusion: Abnormal expression of tumour related genes of patients exposed to benzene suggests that they may be the key genes, which play important role in benzene-induced leucocythemia. cDNA microarray technique is useful to indicate the expression mode of benzene poisoning tumour related genes, and to find rapidly and effectively new research object and the way of gene therapy.