Global Gene Expression Patterns in Mouse Wolffian Duct Development

Abstract

We identified genes responsible for terminal differentiation of the mouse ureter. We isolated the wolffian ducts of Black Swiss mice from embryonic days 12.5 to 14.5. These ducts were processed for total RNA extraction. RNA was amplified and converted to biotinylated cDNA, which was hybridized to Affymetrix(R) mouse 430 microarray GeneChips. Data were analyzed using Affymetrix software provided by the core facility at our institution. Data were confirmed by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Of 42,000 evaluable transcripts 412 were up-regulated and 133 were down-regulated more than 1.5-fold between embryonic days 12.5 and 14.5. Of up-regulated genes 17 were up-regulated more than 3-fold. Of these genes 5 were selected for further study and they were identified as having roles in cell growth/regulation in general. Increased expression of Foxa1 was seen at embryonic day 14.5 in the distal ureter and urogenital sinus. To our knowledge this is the first report of differential gene expression patterns in the developing mouse wolffian duct. Our results diverge from expression patterns reported in the kidney. This information will enable future comparisons between WT and transgenic mice with an abnormal phenotype.