Gene expression analysis of inguinal white adipose tissue upon cold exposure in ferrets: mainly metabolism is effected

Male ferrets, aged 3 months, were divided into two group: one group remained at 22 degrees Celsius, while the other group was acclimatized to 4 degrees Celsius for one week. After sacrification, inguinal white adipose tissues were dissected, and used for RNA isolation and subsequent global gene expression profiling using custom Agilent ferret-specific 2x400K microarrays. Data analysis indicated that mainly metabolism is significantly upregulated. When we focus on the top 50 significantly upregulated transcripts we identified: 7 genes involved in the structure and actin metabolism; 2 genes involved in lipid metabolism and 5 genes involved in electron transport chain in mitochondria and oxidative phosphorylation, suggesting an increased fatty acid catabolism; 4 genes involved in skeletal muscle or muscle contraction and 6 genes involved in skeletal development and 1 gene involved in brown and white adipose differentiation, suggesting a transformation of the cell population; 6 genes involved in amino acid catabolism; and 19 others genes involved in other processes. Ferrets, male, aged 3 months, were divided into two groups: one group remained at 22 degrees Celsius, while the other group was acclimatized to 4 degrees Celsius for one week. After sacrification, inguinal white adipose tissues were dissected, and immediately snap frozen in liquid nitrogen. Total RNA was isolated, quantified and qualified, and subsequently used for global gene expression profiling using custom Agilent ferret-specific 2x400K microarrays.