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A novel RING finger-B box-coiled-coil protein, GERP
S R Vincent1, D A Kwasnicka, P Fretier
1Division of Neuroscience, Brain Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|December 19, 2000
Summary
Researchers identified a novel glioblastoma expressed RING finger protein (GERP) in various human tissues and tumors. Its location on chromosome 10q24.3 suggests GERP may function as a tumor suppressor gene in gliomas.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- The RING finger domain is crucial for protein regulation in cells.
- Novel RING finger proteins are sought using techniques like PCR and expressed sequence tags (ESTs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel RING finger protein expressed in human tissues and tumors.
- To investigate the potential role of this protein in cancer, particularly gliomas.
Main Methods:
- Utilized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers from expressed sequence tags (ESTs) to find new RING finger proteins.
- Cloned and sequenced a novel cDNA encoding a RING finger protein.
- Determined gene expression patterns in various normal tissues and tumors.
- Mapped the gene's location to chromosome 10q24.3.
Main Results:
- A novel RING finger protein, glioblastoma expressed RING finger protein (GERP), was identified.
- GERP is expressed in brain, lung, breast, placenta, kidney, muscle, and germinal center B cells.
- The gene is expressed in tumors like anaplastic oligodendroglioma and maps to 10q24.3, a region associated with tumor suppressor genes.
- GERP possesses an N-terminal RING finger, two B-boxes, and a coiled-coil, classifying it in the RBCC subfamily.
Conclusions:
- GERP is a novel RBCC subfamily RING finger protein identified through PCR-based screening.
- Its expression profile and chromosomal location suggest GERP may be a novel tumor suppressor gene.
- GERP could play a significant role in the development of gliomas and other cancers.
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