ObjectiveTo investigate the differentially expressed genes and their regulatory network during priming phase of liver regeneration in mice using gene chip technology,bioinformatic analysis,and chromatin immunoprecipitation methods.MethodsLiver tissues of mice from post-hepatectomy and sham groups were processed for microarray to detect the differentially expressed genes.PAINT analysis based on TRANSFAC database was used to analyze the transcription regulatory network for differentially expressed genes.Chromatin immunoprecipitation was employed for the verification of the target genes of NF-κB.ResultsA total of 332 genes were differentially expressed during the priming phase of liver regeneration,with 205 down-regulated and 127 up-regulated.The immediate early response 2(IER2) was increased by about 5 folds.PAINT analysis showed that several transcription factors such as Stat family and NF-κB participated in the regulatory network of these genes.Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that IER2 was regulated by NF-κB.ConclusionNF-κB participates in priming phase of liver regeneration through regulating IER2.