Estrogen regulation of uterine genes in vivo detected by complementary DNA array

Introduction: in the present study, our aim was to identify differentially expressed genes involved in estrogen actions at the endometrium level in rats. Methods: Thirty adult rats were ovariectomized four days prior to drug administration for 48 days. Rats were divided in 2 groups: I, control and II, conjugated equine estrogens (CCE). Total RNA was isolated from uterus, and differential expression was analyzed by array technology and RTPCR. Results: A total of 32 candidate genes were shown to be upregulated or downregulated in groups I or II. Among them, differential expression was already confirmed by RT-PCR for IGFBP5, S12, c-kit, and VEGF, genes whose expression was up regulated during CCE therapy, and casein kinase II and serine kinase expression was the same level in both groups. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that cDNA array represents a powerful approach to identify key molecules in the estrogens therapy. A number of the candidates reported here should provide new markers that may contribute to the detection of target estrogen receptor. This information may also aid the development of new approaches to therapeutic intervention.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, BR-04042034 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, BR-04042034 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc