Gene trap screening for cell surface and extracellular matrix molecules produced by chondrocytes

We have developed a simple and unique strategy for identifying cell surface and extracellular matrix molecules produced by chondrocytes. Our strategy comprises two methods, retrovirus-based signal sequence gene trapping and culturing of Swarm rat chondrosarcoma chondrocytes. After infection with a retrovirus vector and isolation of hygromycin-resistant clones, trapped genes could be easily identified by the 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5′ RACE) method. Furthermore, the treatment of isolated clones with gadolinium chloride enabled us to determine whether the trapped gene expression was dependent on the state of chondrogenic differentiation.