Preliminary study of gene expression chip microarray analysis on the visual cortex of form-deprivation myopic monkeys

Abstract:

AIM:To investigate the gene expression changes in the visual cortex of form-deprivation myopic monkeys using gene expression chip microarray techniques.METHODS:Eight healthy infant rhesus monkeys,between 20 and 40 days of age,were divided into form-deprivaton group(n=4) and control group(n=4).Monkeys from form-deprivation group wore diffuser spectacle lens over their right eyes,and 0D lens over their left eyes.Monkeys from control group wore 0D lens over both of their eyes.After 12 weeks,gene expression changes in the visual cortex of form-deprivation and control monkeys were analyzed using gene expression chip microarray techniques.RESULTS:In comparison with control group,genes that were down-regulated were significantly more than those that were up-regulated in form-deprivation group,including Egr-1,NMDA and GABA genes which had been proved to be myopia related genes.CONCLUSION:Gene expression is significantly inhibited in the visual cortex of form-deprivation myopic monkeys.And gene expression chip microarray technique is a useful tool to screen the possible myopia-related candidate genes.