Alternatively spliced mRNA molecules of the thrombospondin receptor (CD36) in human PBMC

We employed reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect alternatively spliced CD36 mRNA in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Sequencing of cloned cDNA revealed alternatively spliced mRNA molecules in 13 out of 39 clones. We observed exon skipping of up to 10 out of 12 coding exons in eight alternative transcripts. Additionally, in five of the transcripts, alternative splice donor or acceptor sites were used during mRNA maturation. Considering the CD36 molecule serves many functions in coagulation, host defence, lipid metabolism, and scavenging, we speculate that the proteins encoded by the alternatively spliced mRNA molecules may be involved in regulation of both CD36 gene expression and function.