Related Experiment Videos
Comparative squalene synthase gene expression in mouse liver and testis
B S Collins1, T R Tansey, I Shechter
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4799, USA.
Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
|November 8, 2001
Summary
Mouse squalene synthase (SQS) mRNA shows different responses to cholesterol in the liver versus the testis. This difference is due to variations in the 5' untranslated regions of the SQS gene.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Squalene synthase (SQS) is a key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis.
- Sterol regulatory elements influence gene expression involved in cholesterol metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulation of mouse squalene synthase (mSQS) mRNA by dietary cholesterol and related compounds.
- To identify tissue-specific differences in mSQS mRNA expression and regulation.
Main Methods:
- Northern hybridization was used to analyze RNA from various mouse organs.
- Primer extension and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) were employed to characterize mRNA transcripts.
Main Results:
- Two mSQS mRNA transcripts (1.9 and 2.0 kb) were identified in mouse testis, unresponsive to sterol regulation.
- A single 1.9 kb mSQS mRNA transcript in the liver was found to be sterol-regulated.
- Size variations in mSQS transcripts were attributed to differences in the 5' untranslated regions (UTRs).
Conclusions:
- Tissue-specific promoter elements likely control the transcriptional regulation of the mSQS gene in mouse liver and testis.
- Differential 5' UTR lengths contribute to the distinct sterol-responsive expression patterns of mSQS.