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Identification of a novel gene, LDOC1, down-regulated in cancer cell lines
K Nagasaki1, T Manabe, H Hanzawa
1Growth Factor Division, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan. knagasak@gan2.ncc.go.jp
Abstract:
By screening for differentially expressed genes in cancer cells, using the RNA differential display (DD) technique, we identified a novel cDNA, LDOC1, that is down-regulated in some cancer cell lines. A Northern blot analysis revealed no expression in pancreatic and gastric cancer cell lines but ubiquitous expression in normal human tissues. This new gene was mapped on chromosome Xq27 and the predicted protein sequence showed no similarity to known sequences in the database except for a leucine zipper-like motif at the N-terminal region and a proline-rich region that shares marked similarity to an SH3-binding domain. In an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) assay, the EGFP-LDOC1 fusion protein was localized in the nucleus. Although the function of LDOC1 is still unknown, our results suggest that this novel gene codes for a nuclear protein, and down-regulation of LDOC1 may have an important role in the development and/or progression of some cancers.
Insights
Researchers identified a novel gene, LDOC1, which is down-regulated in some cancers. This nuclear protein
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Cancer research
- Genetics
Background:
- Cancer cells exhibit altered gene expression.
- Identifying novel genes involved in cancer is crucial for understanding tumorigenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel genes differentially expressed in cancer cells.
- To characterize the novel gene LDOC1 and its potential role in cancer.
Main Methods:
- RNA differential display (DD) technique for gene screening.
- Northern blot analysis for gene expression profiling.
- Gene mapping to chromosome Xq27.
- EGFP fusion protein assay for subcellular localization.
Main Results:
- A novel cDNA, LDOC1, was identified and found to be down-regulated in certain cancer cell lines.
- LDOC1 showed ubiquitous expression in normal human tissues but was absent in pancreatic and gastric cancer cell lines.
- The predicted LDOC1 protein contains a leucine zipper-like motif and an SH3-binding domain.
- EGFP-LDOC1 fusion protein localized to the cell nucleus.
Conclusions:
- LDOC1 is a novel nuclear protein.
- Down-regulation of LDOC1 may play a role in the development and progression of some cancers.
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