Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 10, 2026
Highly Efficient Transfection of Primary Macrophages with In Vitro Transcribed mRNA
Published on: November 9, 2019
Cloning of a novel scavenger receptor cysteine-rich type I transmembrane molecule (M160) expressed by human
J Gronlund1, L Vitved, M Lausen
1Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Institute of Medical Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
Abstract:
We report the cloning of a novel human type I cell surface Ag mainly expressed by macrophages. The primary structure was established by molecular cloning, which yielded a 4579-bp cDNA sequence encoding a polypeptide chain of 1453 amino acid residues with 16 potential N:-glycosylation sites. We designated this molecule M160. The domain organization features 12 scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domains followed by a transmembrane region and a cytoplasmic domain that occurs in two forms, a predominant form (M160-alpha) of 71 residues and an alternatively spliced form (M160-ss) of 39 residues. M160-alpha contains three possible phosphorylation sites, which are lost in the alternatively spliced form. RT-PCR analyses showed M160 to be expressed by alveolar macrophages and by the monocyte cell lines HL60, U937, and THP1, but not by Jurkat or Raji cells. Stimulation of U937 cells with phorbol ester resulted in an increased expression of M160 from day 5 onward. RT-PCR analysis of 19 different human tissues showed signals for M160-alpha of varying intensity in all tissues, whereas M160-ss was confined to the spleen. We conclude that M160 is a new member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich superfamily expressed by the monocyte/macrophage cell lineage.
Insights
Researchers cloned a novel type I cell surface antigen, M160, primarily found on macrophages. This molecule, part of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich superfamily, exhibits distinct expression patterns in various human tissues.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cell surface antigens play crucial roles in cellular communication and immune responses.
- Macrophages are key immune cells involved in phagocytosis and antigen presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone and characterize a novel human type I cell surface antigen.
- To investigate the expression patterns of this new antigen in different cell types and tissues.
Main Methods:
- Molecular cloning of the cDNA sequence for the novel antigen.
- Analysis of the polypeptide chain, domain organization, and potential post-translational modifications.
- RT-PCR analysis to determine gene expression in various cell lines and human tissues.
Main Results:
- A 4579-bp cDNA sequence encoding a 1453-amino acid polypeptide, designated M160, was identified.
- M160 features 12 scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domains and exists in two cytoplasmic forms (M160-alpha and M160-ss).
- M160 is expressed by macrophages and monocyte cell lines, with M160-alpha found in all tested tissues and M160-ss predominantly in the spleen.
Conclusions:
- M160 is a newly identified member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich superfamily.
- The expression profile suggests M160's involvement in monocyte/macrophage lineage functions.
- Alternative splicing generates distinct M160 isoforms with potentially different functional roles.
