Genetic study of different genes in the formation and metabolism of neurosteroids and cholesterol

Abstract

Some of the neurodegenerative diseases is Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer'sdisease, which can arise due to damage to nerve cells in the elderly. This studyexamines the different genes that express enzymes for the formation and metabolismof neurosteroids and cholesterol. The purpose of the study is to investigate whichgenes are expressed in the CNS, and that could affect the functions of the brain via theformation and metabolism of neurosteroids. The study used the human cell line SHSY5as the model for neuronal cells. By knowing which genes nerve cells expresswould in future be able to study the effect of different drugs can have in the formationof steroid metabolites that affect brain functions.Methods used in this study, RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction)and gel electrophoresis to qualitatively examine gene expression in neuroblastoma.Results from the study suggested that SH-SY5Y cells express some but not all genesinvolved in the formation and metabolism of steroid hormones and cholesterol. PCRexperiments, showed expression of the genes for the enzymes CYP19A1 and 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) and the estrogen receptor ER-β.One conclusion that can be drawn from the results of this study is to neuroblastomacell line SH-SY5Y may constitute a possible cell model for future research onhormonal effects and the effect of various drugs on the formation of neurosteroids thatinfluence brain functions.The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the SH-SY5Y cells (neuroblastomacells) can express genes required for the formation and metabolism of cholesterol andsteroid hormones (neurosteroids). The study also intends to investigate which genescan participate and which is expressed in the formation of steroid metabolites thataffect brain functions.