Subtractive cloning identifies tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) increased gene expression following focal stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Differential gene expression has been reported following the onset of focal stroke. To identify de novo expression of ischemia-induced genes, we applied subtractive cDNA library strategy to identify the genes that are selectively upregulated by focal stroke. METHODS Spontaneously hypertensive rats were subjected to permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). mRNAs prepared from ischemic and nonischemic cortex 2 and 12 hours after MCAO were subtracted, and a subtractive cDNA library was constructed. A cDNA that encodes for tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) was identified in the subtractive cDNA library. The temporal expression of cortical TIMP-1 mRNA was further characterized in ischemic cortex subjected to permanent or temporary (160-minute) MCAO. RESULTS A panel of genes isolated from the subtractive cDNA library was subjected to Southern analysis to confirm ischemia-induced gene expression. TIMP-1 demonstrated robust induction after ischemic injury. Time-course studies revealed that TIMP-1 mRNA was induced threefold over controls at 12 hours (P<.001, n=4 animals) and reached a peak level at 2 days after permanent MCAO (sevenfold increase, P<.001). Similar induction profile of TIMP-1 mRNA was observed in the ischemic cortex after temporary MCAO followed by reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS This work demonstrated the utility of subtractive cDNA library strategy for discovery of genes differentially expressed in focal stroke. Furthermore, our data implicate TIMP-1 in ischemia-induced brain injury.