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Published on: December 17, 2016
CD39L2, a gene encoding a human nucleoside diphosphatase, predominantly expressed in the heart
G Yeung1, J J Mulero, D W McGowan
1Functional Genomics Department, Immunology Group, Hyseq Inc., 670 Almanor Avenue, Sunnyvale, California 94086, USA.
Biochemistry
|October 21, 2000
Summary
The CD39L2 gene, predominantly expressed in the heart, encodes an extracellular enzyme crucial for nucleotide hydrolysis. This enzyme specifically targets nucleoside diphosphates, suggesting a role in cardiac platelet regulation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Extracellular enzymes called E-NTPDases hydrolyze nucleotides.
- The human E-NTPDase gene family includes five members, with CD39L2 being one.
- Previous predictions suggested both membrane-bound and secreted forms for E-NTPDase family members.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and function of the human CD39L2 gene.
- To determine if CD39L2 encodes an extracellular E-NTPDase.
- To elucidate the enzymatic properties and potential physiological role of CD39L2 in the heart.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization to determine CD39L2 gene expression in heart tissue.
- Flow cytometry to assess surface expression of transiently expressed CD39L2 in COS-7 cells.
- Enzymatic assays to characterize substrate specificity and kinetics of CD39L2 activity.
Main Results:
- The human CD39L2 gene is predominantly expressed in the heart, specifically in muscle and capillary endothelial cells.
- CD39L2 encodes an extracellular E-NTPDase, with the protein detected on the cell surface and secreted into the medium.
- CD39L2 exhibits high specificity for NDPs over NTPs and displays positive cooperativity in ADPase activity.
Conclusions:
- CD39L2 is an extracellular enzyme primarily expressed in cardiac muscle and endothelial cells.
- Its enzymatic properties suggest a significant role in regulating nucleotide signaling within the heart.
- The findings support a functional role for CD39L2 in modulating platelet activation and recruitment in the cardiac system.
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