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The mouse Rhl1 and Rhag genes: sequence, organization, expression, and chromosomal mapping
1Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York 10021, USA.
Biochemical Genetics
|September 25, 1999
Summary
Researchers identified mouse Rhced and Rhag genes, crucial for red blood cell membrane structure. These genes are homologous to human RH and RHAG, suggesting a conserved function in erythroid cells.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- The Rh protein complex is vital for red blood cell function.
- Studying the human Rh complex is challenging, necessitating alternative models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize mouse Rhced and Rhag genes as a model for human RH and RHAG studies.
- To investigate the structure, function, and evolutionary conservation of these genes.
Main Methods:
- Homology cloning to identify mouse Rhced and Rhag genes.
- Sequence analysis and comparison with human orthologs.
- Hydropathy plotting, Northern and Southern blotting, and linkage analysis.
Main Results:
- Mouse Rhced and Rhag genes encode glycoproteins homologous to human RH and RHAG.
- Both genes span the lipid bilayer 12 times with cytoplasmic N/C termini.
- Rhced and Rhag are coexpressed in erythroid tissues from embryonic development and are single-copy genes located on chromosomes 4 and 17.
Conclusions:
- Mouse Rhced and Rhag genes provide a valuable model for studying the human Rh protein complex.
- These genes exhibit conserved structure and function in erythroid-specific membrane structures.
- The findings suggest an ancient origin and critical role for Rh membrane proteins.