Gene expression analysis of liver and heart from wildtype and ABCB5 mutant mice

Abcb5 is a member of the ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily. It is an energy dependent transporter and its role is unknown yet. We are characterizing this transporter at the genomic and protein level. We know that it is highly expressed in pigmented cells, including pigmented cells of the CNS (retinal pigment epithelium and basal ganglion cells). We found it highly expressed in melanotic melanoma and in alveolar soft part sarcoma. Total RNA obtained from liver and heart of 3-4 male homozygous ABCB5 mutant and 4 male wildtype miceABCB5是ATP结合盒（ATP-Binding Cassette，ABC）转运蛋白超家族的成员，属于能量依赖性转运蛋白，但其具体生物学功能目前仍未明确。本研究正从基因组与蛋白质组层面开展该转运蛋白的特征解析工作。已知该蛋白在色素细胞中呈高表达，包括中枢神经系统（CNS）的色素细胞，如视网膜色素上皮细胞与基底神经节细胞。研究发现其在色素性黑色素瘤及腺泡状软组织肉瘤中高表达。本研究提取了3~4只雄性纯合ABCB5突变小鼠与4只雄性野生型小鼠的肝脏及心脏组织总RNA。