Transcript atlas of cell immunity-associated gene uncovers physiological activities in 8 liver cell types of rat regenerating liver / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo study the transcript atlas of cell immunity-associated genes in 8 liver cell types including hepatocytes, bile duct epithelial cells, oval cells, hepatic stellate cells, sinus endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, pit cells and dendritic cells from the rat regenerating liver. Methods The 8 liver cell types were isolated respectively by Percoll density gradient centrifugation combined with immune magnetic beads separation method. Their expression changes in the regenerating livers were detected by Rat Genome 230 2.0 Array, the expression patterns and the predicted physiological activities of cell immunity-associated genes were analyzed by Cluster program, and the methods of bioinformation and systematic biology. Results A total of 40 cell immunity-associated genes yielded the meaningful expression changes in liver regeneration, the corresponding gene numbers in 8 liver cell types were 19, 19, 9, 19, 19, 21, 22 and 21, respectively. It suggested that the formation of antigen peptide-MHC complexes, the NF-κB kinase activity and the production of cytokines like IL-2 were enhanced at the priming and progressing phases of liver regeneration. The biological activities, such as NF-κB-promoting cell differentiation and caspase-induced T cell apoptosis, were elevated at termination phase.Conclusion The rat liver regeneration is associated with cell immunity.