Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of severe congenital malformations resulting from the failure of neurulation. Genes influencing neurulation have been investigated for their contribution to NTDs. Ribosomal protein (Rp) is an abundant and belongs to a high conservative gene family, which has the complex task of coordinating protein biosynthesis in order to maintain cell homeostasis and survival. However, the mechanisms of Rp in the NTDs are unknown. Understanding the mechanisms will lead to new insights into NTDs. In this report, we constructed a cDNA library from neural tube of golden hamster and screened the cDNA library by a subsection screening method (SSS). Our results demonstrate a possible essential role of the RPL30 cDNA gene during neurulation and in the risk of NTDs. Our study also suggests that another gene, HMGB1, may be significantly associated with neurulation and the risk of NTDs.