Gene discovery in the hamster: a comparative genomics approach for gene annotation by sequencing of hamster testis cDNAs.

Background: Complete genome annotation will likely be achieved through a combination of computer-based analysis of available genome sequences combined with direct experimental characterization of expressed regions of individual genomes. We have utilized a comparative genomics approach involving the sequencing of randomly selected hamster testis cDNAs to begin to identify genes not previously annotated on the human, mouse, rat and Fugu (pufferfish) genomes.

Results: 735 distinct sequences were analyzed for their relatedness to known sequences in public databases.

Mapping gene expression patterns during myeloid differentiation using the EML hematopoietic progenitor cell line.

Objective: The detailed examination of the molecular events that control the early stages of myeloid differentiation has been hampered by the relative scarcity of hematopoietic stem cells and the lack of suitable cell line models. In this study, we examined the expression of several myeloid and nonmyeloid genes in the murine EML hematopoietic stem cell line.

Methods: Expression patterns for 19 different genes were examined by Northern blotting and RT-PCR in RNA samples from EML, a variety of other immortalized cell lines, and purified murine hematopoietic stem cells.