Expression data from transgenic mice (6 wk) inducibly expressing human alpha1-antitrypsin in the liver

In the classical form of 1antitrypsin deficiency a mutant protein accumulates in a polymerized form in the ER of liver cells causing liver damage and carcinogenesis by a gain-of-toxic function mechanism. Recent studies have indicated that the accumulation of mutant 1antitrypsin Z in the ER specifically activates the autophagic response but not the unfolded protein response and that autophagy plays a critical role in disposal of insoluble 1antitrypsin Z. In this study, we used genomic analysis of the liver in a novel transgenic mouse model with inducible expression to screen for changes in gene expression that would potentially define how the liver responds to accumulation of this mutant protein.

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Hidvegi T, Mirnics K, Hale P, Ewing M, Beckett C, Perlmutter DH