Genome-wide gene expression profiles of the developing mouse hippocampus

We have analyzed the developmental molecular programs of the mouse hippocam pus, a cortical structure critical for learning and memory, by means of lar ge-scale DNA microarray techniques, Of 11,000 genes and expressed sequence tags examined, 1,926 showed dynamic changes during hippocampal development from embryonic day 16 to postnatal day 30, Gene-cluster analysis was used t o group these genes into 16 distinct clusters with striking patterns that a ppear to correlate with major developmental hallmarks and cellular events. These include genes involved in neuronal proliferation, differentiation, an d synapse formation, A complete list of the transcriptional changes has bee n compiled into a comprehensive gene profile database (http://BrainGenomics . Princeton.edu), which should prove valuable in advancing our understandin g of the molecular and genetic programs underlying both the development and the functions of the mammalian brain.