Sex Difference in the Expression and Gene Network of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Pituitary Gland in Mice

Abstract

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) involves in diverse cellular functions and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many malignancies in the human population. The pituitary gland is a target of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and it is well known that EGFR plays a role in pituitary tumor as well as other tumors formation and progression. Methods: In this study, we have screened expression profiles for the whole genome of pituitary genes of both sexes from multiple mouse recombinant inbred strains. In addition, using Network Graph, we have constructed the gene network in combination with the correlation matrix. To determine the chromosomal locations that regulate the expression of Egfr in females and males, the transcriptome mapping was conducted using Gene Network mapping tool. Furthermore, we conducted bioinformatics analysis to identify genes that have been reported to regulate or functionally connect to Egfr. Results: Statistical analysis of Egfr expression levels between female and male mice produced a P value of 1.56442E-09. The R value obtained from the correlation analysis is 0.22. A considerable number of genes in the gene network of Egfr showed sex difference. These genes are known important in caner pathways. The eQTLs that regulate the expression levels of Egfr also showed sex difference. Gender difference of the correlations between Egfr expression levels and the T cell growth is also observed. Conclusion: Our data suggest that sex difference in the expression levels of Egfr may have a significant impact on immunological disorders.