The exact mechanism by which the hippocampus contributes to memory formation, and the underlying molecular and biochemical processes are not understood. One approach to understanding hippocampal function is through transgenesis. The identification of genes specifically expressed in this formation would provide promoters capable of directly reporter gene expression to the hippocampus. This thesis aims to identify genes expressed in the hippocampus. Such genes would permit targeting hippocampus-specific gene expression, while their identity and function within the hippocampus may also be characterized. Differential hybridization techniques, employing cDNA libraries prepared from hippocampus or other brain regions, have been used in an attempt to identify genes expressed either specifically or predominantly in the hippocampus. One cDNA clone isolated, Hct1 (hippocampal transcript), is further characterized. The expression pattern of Hct1, by Northern analysis and <I>in situ</I> hybridization, shows significantly enriched expression within the adult rat hippocampus, as well as weak expression in the liver. Sequencing of cDNA and genomic clones of Hct1 identified the encoded protein as a novel member of the cytochrome P-450 superfamily, a large group of enzymes involved in the oxidative metabolism of a variety of steroids, fatty acids and xenobiotics. Hct1 may represent a new family of cytochrome P-450 genes. The possible role of this enzyme in hippocampal function is discussed.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:662366 |
| Date | January 1994 |
| Creators | Stapleton, Genevieve |
| Publisher | University of Edinburgh |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://hdl.handle.net/1842/14480 |
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