Related Experiment Videos
The Gas7 gene encodes two protein isoforms differentially expressed within the brain
E M Lazakovitch1, B R She, C L Lien
1Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, 115, Taiwan.
Genomics
|November 24, 1999
Summary
The Gas7 gene produces two distinct protein isoforms, Gas7 and Gas7-cb, with different expression patterns in the mouse brain. These isoforms arise from alternative splicing, leading to unique N-terminal sequences and brain region-specific functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Gas7 is a growth arrest-specific gene crucial for neurite outgrowth in cerebellar neurons.
- Gas7 is abundantly expressed in the brain, particularly in the cerebrum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel Gas7-related cDNAs.
- To investigate the differential expression and regulation of Gas7 isoforms in the mouse brain.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of Gas7-related cDNA (Gas7-cb) from mouse cerebellum.
- RNase protection assay and Western blot for RNA and protein expression analysis.
- Genomic structure analysis of the murine Gas7 gene using bacterial artificial chromosome cloning.
Main Results:
- A Gas7-related cDNA, Gas7-cb, was identified, differing from Gas7 in its 5' region.
- Gas7-cb transcripts and protein are predominantly expressed in the cerebellum, while Gas7 is predominant in the cerebrum.
- The Gas7 gene spans over 60 kb and contains at least 15 exons, with Gas7-cb utilizing an alternative exon (6a).
Conclusions:
- The Gas7 gene encodes two isoforms, Gas7 and Gas7-cb, through alternative splicing.
- Differential expression of Gas7 and Gas7-cb in distinct brain regions suggests specialized roles.
- Alternative splicing of the Gas7 gene generates functional diversity in the mouse brain.