Identifying interferon-stimulated genes enriched in multiple tissues of Irgm1-/- mice. Mus musculus

We observed enhanced epithelial proliferation secondary to elevated Type I IFNs in multiple tissues of Irgm1-/- mice. We discovered that Type I IFNs signaled through macrophages to promote this epithelial hyperproliferation. To determine candidate factors that could play a role in this process, we performed whole genome microarray analysis of salivary gland, small intestine, and isolated colonic macrophages of Irgm1-/- mice and C57BL/6 WT controls. Genes enriched in at least 2 of the 3 sample sources were then screened for the ability to augment epithelial proliferation in vitro. Overall design: RNA was extracted from three (small intestine and isolated colonic macrophage samples) or four (salivary gland samples) mice of each genotype (Irgm1-/- and WT). Both male and female six to nine week-old mice were used.