Array analysis of the genes regulated during neuronal differentiation of human embryonal cells

Recent advances in genetic technology have provided a new platform on which the simultaneous analysis of a large number of genes is possible in a rapi d and efficient fashion. To assess the differential expression of human gen es during neuronal differentiation, we compared the transcript profiles of undifferentiated, partially differentiated, and fully differentiated NT2/D1 cultures with cDNA expression arrays. Approximately 75 genes (13% of the g ene array pool) were differentially expressed during neuronal development o f NT2/D1 cells. Genes coding for pyruvate kinase M2 isozyme, clathrin assem bly proteins, calmodulin, fibronectin, laminin, thymosin beta-10, and many others were upregulated as NT2/D1 cells differentiated into neurons. In con trast, several kinases, phosphatases, and G-protein coupled receptor genes showed downregulation upon neuronal differentiation. The information provid ed here is an invaluable reference for characterizing the phenotype of thes e cells. This information can also be used in cell therapy and transplantat ion in which the graft microenvironment and interaction with the host tissu e is crucial.