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Selective expression of erg isoforms in human endothelial cells
P W Hewett1, K Nishi, E L Daft
1Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, CRC Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, City Hospital, Hucknall Rd, NG5 1PB, Nottingham, UK. peter.hewett@nott.ac.uk
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|April 20, 2001
Summary
The ETS-related gene (Erg) transcription factor isoforms Erg-3/p55(Erg) and p38(Erg) are selectively expressed in human endothelial cells. This finding suggests their crucial role in regulating genes specific to endothelial cell function.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Erg and Fli-1 are related ets family transcription factors.
- Multiple human Erg isoforms exist due to alternative splicing and translation.
- Limited information is available on Erg isoform expression and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of Erg isoforms in human cell lines.
- To identify specific Erg isoforms expressed in endothelial cells.
- To determine the in vitro and in vivo relevance of endothelial Erg expression.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for gene screening.
- Northern blotting to detect specific transcripts.
- 5'-Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (5'-RACE) for transcript identification.
- Cell culture of primary and established human cell lines, including endothelial cells.
Main Results:
- Fli-1 was detected in various human cell types.
- Erg expression was predominantly observed in endothelial cells.
- Erg-3/p55(Erg) and p38(Erg)/p38(Erg)-like transcripts were identified in both microvascular and large vessel endothelial cells.
- These Erg isoforms were consistently found in freshly isolated and cultured endothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Erg-3/p55(Erg) and p38(Erg)/p38(Erg)-like isoforms are selectively expressed in endothelial cells.
- Endothelial Erg expression in vitro appears representative of in vivo conditions.
- These specific Erg isoforms likely regulate endothelial-restricted genes.