Identification of differentially expressed genes associated with osteogenic differentiation in mouse MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells

It has been reported that many kinds of genes are involved in the differentiation process from undifferentiated osteoblasts to differentiated osteoblasts. However, the genes involved in the differentiation process of osteoblasts have not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we identified the differentially expressed genes related to the osteogenic differentiation of mouse MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells using GeneChip® oligonucleotide microarrays. Mouse MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells were cultured in osteogenic medium at 37°C for 3 or 6 days. For control experiments, cells were cultured in normal medium at 37°C for 3 or 6 days. Total RNA samples were prepared from the cells, and quality of the RNA was analyzed using a Bioanalyzer 2100. Gene expression was analyzed by an Affymetrix GeneChip® system with a GeneChip Mouse Genome 430 2.0 array. Sample preparation for array hybridization was carried out as described in the manufacturer’s instructions.