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The prepro vasoactive intestinal contractor (VIC)/endothelin-2 gene (EDN2): structure, evolution, production, and
K Saida1, M Hashimoto, Y Mitsui
1National Institute of Bioscience and Human Technology, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan. ksaida@nibh.go.jp
Genomics
|March 10, 2000
Summary
The mouse vasoactive intestinal contractor (VIC) gene, EDN2, was sequenced and analyzed. This research provides a foundation for understanding VIC/ET2
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Vasoactive intestinal contractor (VIC) and endothelin-2 (ET2) are potent vasoactive hormones.
- The EDN2 gene encodes the VIC/ET2 peptide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural characteristics of the mouse VIC/ET2 gene (EDN2).
- To understand the genetic basis of VIC/ET2 production and its physiological significance.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and sequence analysis of the full-length mouse VIC gene.
- Gene expression studies using cDNA transfection in ACHN adenocarcinoma cells.
- Analysis of the 3'-untranslated region's effect on mRNA stability.
Main Results:
- The mouse VIC gene (EDN2) encodes a 175-amino acid precursor protein (preproVIC) that yields the mature VIC peptide.
- The PPVIC gene shows similarities to the human preproendothelin-1 gene, suggesting a common ancestor.
- VIC production was enhanced by removing the 3'-untranslated region containing an mRNA destabilizing sequence.
- Increased PPVIC gene expression was observed during late embryonic development.
Conclusions:
- The mouse VIC gene structure and precursor protein have been elucidated.
- The findings suggest a common evolutionary origin for VIC/ET2 and endothelin-1 genes.
- The study lays the groundwork for further research into VIC/ET2 gene regulation and function.