and reverse-transcribed in the presence of random hexamers using a Superscript III first-strand synthesis system for RT-PCR (Thermo Fischer Scientific). An aliquot of synthesized cDNA was subjected to PCR using the SYBR
Premix Ex TaqTM II (Tli RNase H Plus) (TAKARA Bio, Otsu, Shiga, Japan) in a Thermal Cycle DiceTM TP800 (TAKARA Bio). The mRNA levels were normalized to β-actin (Actb) mRNA levels.
Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n ≥ 3). Student’s t-tests were used for statistical analyses; significance was assumed at P < 0.05. Primer sequences used for PCRs are: Actb,
5’-AGATCAAGATCATTGCTCCTCCT-3’ (sense) and 5’-ACGCAGCTCAGTAACAGTCC-3’ (antisense); IAP (Intracisternal A-particle element), 5’-AACCAATGCTAATTTCACCTTGGT-3’ (sense) and 5’-GCCAATCAGCAGGCGTTAGT-3’ (antisense); LINE-1 (Long
interspersed element-1), 5’-GGCGAAAGGCAAACGTAAGA-3’ (sense) and 5’-GGAGTGCTGCGTTCTGATGA-3’ (antisense); SINE B1 (Short interspersed element B1), 5’-TGAGTTCGAGGCCAGCCTGGTCTA-3’ (sense) and 5’-ACAGGGTTTCTCTGTGTAGCCCTG-3’
(antisense).