Cloning the cDNA for murine U2 snRNP-A' gene and its differential expression in lymphocyte development

We studied genes differentially transcribed during development of murine thymocytes. By the use of differential display of mRNA by polymerase chain reaction (DD-PCR) we identified a cDNA for U2snRNP-A' from a transcript abundant in precursor thymocytes, but rare in mature T cells. The transcript was fully cloned and found to be 97% homologous to the human cDNA for U2 snRNP-A'. We found the gene most abundantly transcribed on day 15 of gestation and in adult prothymocytes, spleen, testis and liver. Further characterization of snRNP proteins in the mouse is warranted in an effort to establish animal models of autoimmunity relevant for studies of connective tissue diseases or systemic lupus erythematosus, where patients harbor autoantibodies reactive to snRNP.