You have cloned the mouse ortholog (see Genetic Analysis 14.2 for definition) of the gene associated with human Huntington disease (HD) and wish to examine its expression in mice. Outline the approaches you might take to examine the temporal and spatial expression pattern at the cellular level.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Extract RNA from various tissues of the mouse at different developmental stages to analyze the temporal and spatial expression of the gene. Use reverse transcription to convert RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA) for further analysis.
2. Perform in situ hybridization using a labeled RNA probe complementary to the mouse ortholog of the Huntington disease gene. This technique will allow visualization of the gene's expression at the cellular level in tissue sections.
3. Use quantitative PCR (qPCR) to measure the levels of gene expression in different tissues and at different developmental stages. This will provide quantitative data on the temporal expression pattern.
4. Perform immunohistochemistry (IHC) using an antibody specific to the protein encoded by the mouse ortholog of the Huntington disease gene. This will allow visualization of the protein's localization and expression at the cellular level.
5. Generate a transgenic mouse model with a reporter gene (e.g., GFP or LacZ) under the control of the promoter of the mouse ortholog. This will enable real-time observation of the gene's expression pattern in live tissues and at different developmental stages.

Key Concepts

Orthologs

Orthologs are genes in different species that evolved from a common ancestral gene through speciation. They typically retain the same function across species, making them valuable for studying gene function and disease mechanisms. In this context, the mouse ortholog of the Huntington disease gene allows researchers to investigate the gene's role in a model organism that shares similarities with humans.

Gene Expression Analysis

Gene expression analysis involves measuring the activity of genes to understand their function and regulation. Techniques such as quantitative PCR, in situ hybridization, and RNA sequencing can be employed to assess when (temporal) and where (spatial) a gene is expressed in tissues or cells. This information is crucial for linking gene expression patterns to specific biological processes or diseases.

Cellular Localization Techniques

Cellular localization techniques, such as immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), are used to visualize the presence and distribution of proteins or RNA within cells. These methods allow researchers to determine the specific cell types and regions in which the gene of interest is active, providing insights into its functional role in development and disease pathology.