Comparison of Gene Expression Profiles between Keratinocytes, Melanocytes and Fibroblasts

Background: The skin has many important functions such as protection, preservation, temperature regulation, and vitamin D synthesis. It is composed of a variety of cell types including keratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblasts.

Objective: We attempted to compare the gene expression profiles between keratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblast, using cDNA microarray.

Methods: Keratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblasts were primary cultured from five foreskin specimens. Total RNAs were extracted and pooled to reduce the individual variations, and then used for cDNA microarray.

Results: Total 12,028 genes were selected as the reliable genes whose expression was detected in at least one of the three cell types. By comparing the relative expression levels with cutoff limitation as a fourfold change, we obtained 126 fibroblast-specific, 179 keratinocyte-specific and 173 melanocyte-specific genes, many of which are known to be characteristically expressed in each cell type. In addition, we identified many genes whose skin-specific functions have not yet been determined.

Conclusion: Our data provide important information on which to base further investigation into the specification of skin cell types.