Expression changes of genes in c-kit positive cells after 4 Gy γ-ray irradiation: a gene chip analysis

Abstract

Objective To analyze the metabolic process-related genes and pathway variations in the c-kit (CD117, a cytokine receptor expressed on the surface of hematopoietic stem cells) positive cells after 4 Gy irradiation by using gene chip technology. Methods c-kit positive cells were sorted by microbead separation system. Two groups were involved: control group and 4 Gy irradiation group. A total of 1×106 c-kit positive cells received 4 Gy irradiation at a dose rate of 0.99 Gy/min. After the two groups were cultured for 18 h, all the cells were collected and detected by gene chip arrays. Data were processed and analyzed via Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Results After 4 Gy γ-ray irradiation, 13 metabolic process-related genes were up-regulated more than 3 times: Pld5, Neu2, Bpgm, Alas2, Satl1, Rdh16, Mccc1, Sat2, Smug1, Cml5, Adhfe1, Idh3a, and Slc27a5. Additionally, 22 genes were down-regulated more than 3 times: Acss2, Phgdh, Psat1, Glb1, Gpam, Dus3l, Fuca2, Impdh1, Dlat, Glb1, Enpp4, Prim2, Mettl10, Slc27a2, Dera, Qdpr, Dus1l, Cdyl2, Dhodh, Srr, Spr, and Mical2. These genes were involved in pyrimidine metabolism, purine metabolism, and citrate cycle (TCA cycle) pathways. Conclusion Many variations of genes and pathways in c-kit positive cells existed after 4 Gy irradiation. However, further laboratory technology is required to confirm these variations. Key words: Proto-oncogene proteins c-kit; Oligonucleotide array sequence analysis; Radiation, ionizing; Metabolic process