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A putative 12 transmembrane domain cotransporter expressed in thymic cortical epithelial cells
M G Kim1, F A Flomerfelt, K N Lee
1Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD 20892, USA.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|March 8, 2000
Summary
Researchers identified a new protein, thymic stromal cotransporter (TSCOT), crucial for thymus development. This protein is highly expressed in thymic cortical epithelial cells, particularly during fetal development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The thymus is critical for T-cell maturation.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of thymic development, especially in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel genes involved in thymic stromal cell function.
- To characterize a newly isolated cDNA clone, TSO-1C12, and its encoded protein.
Main Methods:
- cDNA library screening using subtractive hybridization.
- mRNA expression analysis (Northern blotting implied).
- Immunoprecipitation with antipeptide antibodies.
- Bioinformatic analysis of translated protein sequence.
Main Results:
- Isolated a full-length cDNA clone, TSO-1C12, from a SCID thymus library.
- TSO-1C12 mRNA is predominantly expressed in the thymic cortex and highly enriched in SCID thymus.
- Expression is highest during early fetal thymus development and declines after day 16.
- Identified the encoded protein as thymic stromal cotransporter (TSCOT), a plasma membrane glycoprotein.
- TSCOT exhibits weak homology to bacterial antiporters and mammalian cation cotransporters, suggesting it's a new member of this superfamily.
- TSCOT is highly expressed in thymic cortical epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- TSCOT is a novel transmembrane glycoprotein highly expressed in thymic cortical epithelial cells.
- Its expression pattern suggests a significant role in thymic development and potentially in SCID.
- TSCOT represents a new member of the antiporter/cotransporter superfamily.