Up-regulation of a gene homologous to the human tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 gene in the obstructed rabbit bladder determined by differential display polymerase chain reaction

Purpose: We identified differentially expressed genes in the rabbit bladder after partial outlet obstruction. Materials and Methods: Differential display polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on smooth muscle tissue from normal, 2 and 6-week obstructed rabbit bladders. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase PCR, Western and R NA blot analysis were done to confirm messenger RNA and protein up-regulati on. Results: A signal transducing protein human tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6)-like protein was identified on differential dis play PCR. TRAF6-like protein was up-regulated in rabbit bladders after 2 we eks of partial outlet obstruction. Reverse transcriptase PCR demonstrated T RAF6-like protein in bladder muscle tissue and semiquantitative analysis co nfirmed up-regulation in 2-week obstructed tissue. These findings were conf irmed by RNA and Western blot analysis. Conclusions: TRAF6-like protein is up-regulated during the early phase of b ladder outlet obstruction in rabbits. To our knowledge involvement of this gene in bladder outlet obstruction has not been described previously. TRAF6 may have a role in the regulation of molecular changes during the early bl adder response to outlet obstruction, such as the up-regulation of growth f actors and proto-oncogenes. Further understanding of this signaling pathway and its role in bladder outlet obstruction may open new avenues for treati ng detrusor dysfunction.