GENETIC SEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH NEURAL CELL PROLIFERATION AND DISEASE

摘要

Applying large-scale DNA microarray techniques, the developmental molecular programs of the hippocampus, a cortical structure critical for learning and memory has been anlyzed. Over 30,000 genes and EST sequences were screened, including an estimated 30-40% of total genes in the mouse genome. As a resul t, the present invention identifies 4,390 genes that showed dynamic changes during hippocampal development. Moreover, using genecluster analysis, these genes were grouped into 16 distinct clusters with striking patterns that correlate with major developmental hallmarks. The covariance analysis strate gy was then applied. This enabled the identification of a group of genes whose expression may underlie the phenotypic changes in the hippocampus.