Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes by Proto-oncogene Protein DEK using Annealing Control Primers

The proto-oncogene protein DEK has been implicated in various human disease including cancer. We have shown that DEK induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in Drosophila by regulating histone acetylation. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method based on annealing control primers was used to screen and identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in DEK overexpressed HeLa cells. Among the genes identified, clusterin and fibrillarin have major role in apoptosis pathway regulation. TFIIIC and RPS24 are implicated in HAT mediated transcriptional initiation and cololectal cancer, respectively. To further analyze DEK's role in apoptosis, multiplex PCR was performed. Caspase-3, -7, and -10 and proapoptotic gene bid were newly identified as possible target genes regulated by DEK expression.