Gene transfer and expression in mammalian cell lines: A method to study regulation of neuropeptide processing

Abstract

from embryonic mice telencephalons at different stages of development and performing subtractive hybridizations between these libraries in order to isolate genes that are expressed at specific times of development. Using this paradigm we expect to isolate genes that are involved in controlling cell migration, cell fate, axon pathway choice, and synapse formation. We are performing the subtractive hybridization using specially designed vectors. The basis for the technique is asymmetric insertion of cDNA into double-stranded plasmids which have the capability of also growing in a single-stranded form. The single-stranded form of the DNA will be used in the hybridization. These experiments will serve as an early step in our understanding of the genes which regulate development of the brain, and should eventually aid in the understanding of such complex developmental disorders as autism.