[cDNA microarray to identify the significance of DNA replication and damage repair genes associated with benzene poisoning].

OBJECTIVE

To screen DNA replication, and damage repair genes associated with benzene poisoning by using gene expression profile analysis.

METHODS

Leucocytes in peripheral blood of seven patients and seven normal controls were collected and total RNA was extracted. The cDNA probes were prepared by labeling cell RNA with Cy3-dUTP and Cy5-dUTP with reverse transcription. The arrays with 141 genes were hybridized against the cDNA probe mixture, and the fluorescent signals were scanned.

RESULTS

Twenty five differentially expressed genes were screened out. Among these genes, 16 genes were up-regulated and 9 down-regulated. They were DNA replication genes such as PRIM2A, ORC1L etc; DNA synthesis, recombination and repair genes such as POLK etc; DNA damage signaling/repair proteins and DNA ligases such as RECQL, PRKDC, G22P1, ERCC3, ERCC1, CRY1, CHES1, BRCA2, APEX etc; proteins involved in recombination such as RECQL; and other DNA synthesis, recombination, and repair proteins such as SKIV2L, RBMS1, SON, SET.

CONCLUSIONS

Some DNA replication, and damage repair genes associated with benzene poisoning show differential expression, which provides the basis for screening biomarkers of benzene poisoning.