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RGSZ1 and Ret RGS: two of several splice variants from the gene RGS20
S A Barker1, J Wang, D A Sierra
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75390-9041, USA.
Genomics
|December 12, 2001
Summary
The regulator of G-protein signaling 20 (RGS20) gene produces multiple splice variants, including RGSZ1 and Ret RGS. These variants generate diverse G alpha(z)-selective GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) found in various tissues.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins are GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) that modulate G protein signaling.
- RGSZ1 and Ret RGS are known G alpha(z)-selective GAPs.
- The genetic basis and diversity of these RGS proteins were not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gene structure and alternative splicing of RGSZ1 and Ret RGS.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms generating multiple G alpha(z)-selective GAPs from a single gene.
- To understand the tissue-specific expression of RGS20 splice variants.
Main Methods:
- Gene structure analysis of RGS20.
- Identification and characterization of splice variants through mRNA analysis.
- Comparative analysis of protein N-terminal regions.
Main Results:
- RGSZ1 and Ret RGS are splice variants of the RGS20 gene.
- RGS20 gene structure involves at least seven exons spanning approximately 107 kb.
- Alternative splicing generates at least six distinct mRNAs encoding proteins with variable N-termini, including a novel N-terminal region for RGSZ1.
- Specific splice variants are expressed in brain and other tissues, but not in the retina.
Conclusions:
- The RGS20 gene is the source of multiple G alpha(z)-selective GAPs.
- Alternative splicing of RGS20 generates protein diversity with distinct N-terminal domains.
- Tissue-specific expression patterns of RGS20 splice variants contribute to differential G protein regulation in various tissues.