Dynamic changes in mouse hippocampal gene expression during chronic stress

Transcriptome profiling of chronic social stress (CSS) effects on the brain revealed changes in expression of many genes responsible for alterations of structure and function of the central nervous system. However, there is still little information on dynamics of gene expression in the brain during chronic stress. The aim of the study was to investigate the time course of mouse hippocampal transcriptome response in CSS. Gene expression was assessed using Agilent microarrays. Number of genes showed specific expression patterns between CSS and control animals during subsequent time points, including genes involved in glutamate transport (Slc17a6), amyloid sequestration (Ttr) and neuroprotection (Igf2, Igfbp2). Study revealed dynamics of gene expression patterns and novel molecular effectors of behavioral effects of stress.