Potential analysis of gene expression in nerve growth factor treated cells using semi quantitative PCR technique

Abstract

Over sixty years ago, nerve growth factor (NGF) was originally discovered as a neurotrophic factor essential for the survival of sensory and sympathetic neurons during development. However, recent studies in patients with chronic pain indicate elevated levels of NGF in their sera and within injured and inflamed tissues. Abnormal neurotrophin action has been suggested to have an effect on acute and chronic pain, and in the development of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, neuropathy, and cancer. NGF signals through two different types of receptors: TrkA and p75. These signals can be disrupted by the presence of small molecules inhibitors such as PD90780, ALE-0450, and PQC 083 by specifically binding to NGF. The binding by these molecules antagonizes the action of NGF from binding to its receptors, therefore blocking its signalling pathways. This could have a potential application in pain control and treatment of degenerative diseases. More recently, pain therapy has focused on selective NGF inhibition. The aim of this study was to utilize gene expression analysis to investigate the intricate results of signalling in NGF treated cells compared to cells treated with both NGF and NGF inhibitors. A better understanding of genetic networks may contribute to the identification of novel drug targets, and more sensitive diagnostic strategies. In this research, peak time expression for Egr-1 in NGF treated cells was evaluated. Also, Egr-1 gene expression was assessed in NGF treated cells using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. This may provide a better way to identify new drugs through the examination of cell signalling response. Moreover, these findings will be helpful as a model for in vivo applications.