Expression of "cell-cycle-dependent" genes in regenerating rat liver.

The expression of genes coding for the ATP/ADP translocase, calcyclin, ornithine decarboxylase, vimentin, proto-onc genes p53 and c-Ha-ras1 and also for two genes JE and KC with as yet unknown function was studied during regeneration of rat liver. Genes highly induced were: JE (2-8 h of regeneration), ATP/ADP translocase (8-18 h), c-Ha-ras-1 (6-48 h) and p53 (6-12 h). Vimentin and KC gene transcripts were not detectable in the first 48 h of liver regeneration, whereas ornithine decarboxylase and calcyclin gene transcripts were present at constant levels. Our findings extend the list of genes expressed at the early stages of liver regeneration.