Objective To examine the expression of promoter CpG island methylation of Notch1 gene and explore the variable sites for DNA methylation in lung CD4 + T cells of asthmatic rat models.
Methods An ovalbumin ( OVA) sensitized- challenged asthmatic rat model was established. Total T cells were isolated and CD4 + T lymphocytes were purified using magnetic beads. Twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group and an asthma group ( n = 10 in each group) . CD4 + T cells were isolated by immunomagnetic beads and identified by flow cytometry ( FCM) . Realtime PCR was employed to examine the mRNA expression of Notch1 gene in lung CD4 + T cells and the methylation level of Notch1 gene was examined by methylation-specific PCR.
Results The mRNA expression of Notch1 in lung CD4 + T cells of the asthma group was 2. 254 ±0. 403 times as much as that of the control group. The total methylation level of asthma group was lower than that of the control group ( 0. 150 ±0. 108 vs. 0. 300 ±0. 667, P lt;0. 01) .
Conclusion Promoter demethylation is one of the major mechanisms of Notch1 gene up-regulation in pathogenesis of asthma.
Citation： DING Tao,GUO Xuejun,GU Wen,LI Chengye,GAN Lixing.. A Study on the Methylation of Notch1 Gene Promoter in CD4<sup>+ </sup>T Cells Isolated fromAsthmatic Rat Lung Tissue. Chinese Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2011, 10(5): 446-450. doi: Copy