Structure, chromosomal localization and expression of the mouse regulator of G-protein signaling10 gene (mRGS10)

Regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins negatively regulate signaling pathways involving seven transmembrane receptors and heterotrimeric G proteins. The purpose of this study was to determine the chromosomal localization, structure and expression profile of the gene coding for mouse regulator of G-protein signaling10 (mRGS10). Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis indicated that mRGS10 maps to band F3-F4 of the mouse chromosome 7. Sequence analysis revealed that the RGS10 gene encompasses six exons spanning more than 40 kb of genomic DNA. The RGS domain is encoded by exons 3-6; alternative splicing of the first exons allows the generation of two isoforms in the mouse system which differ in their N-terminal portion. Thus, mRGS10 encodes two intracellular proteins of 167 and 181 amino-acids which are highly homologous to the human and rat polypeptides. The deduced amino-acid sequences of mouse RGS10 show 92% sequence identity to their orthologues from human. The mRGS10 gene is expressed predominantly in brain and testis but it is also found in heart, lung, bone marrow, lymph node and spleen. Differential display between mature B lymphocytes and marginal zone B cells, as well as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot, showed that mRGS10 is differentially transcribed during B-cell differentiation. Finally, mRGS10 protein was detected in plasma cells of secondary lymphoid organs by immunofluorescence.