WE used RNA fingerprinting by arbitrary primed PCR to identify genes whose
expression is up-regulated in the brain of hamsters affected by prion disea
se. One gene implicated by RNA fingerprinting encoded the hamster homologue
of protein nexin-I (PN-I), a serine proteinase inhibitor, and was further
investigated by Northern blot analysis. PN-I mRNA levels were increased at
pre-clinical stages (19 days after inoculation) and remained elevated when
the spongiform encephalopathy was anatomopathologically and clinically evid
ent (at 50 and 80 days). Future RNA screening conducted as illustrated may
help to reveal a spectrum of genes relevant for the etiopathogenesis and/or
diagnosis of prion disease. NeuroReport 10:1677-1681 (C) 1999 Lippincott W
illiams & Wilkins.