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Two types of murine CD34 mRNA generated by alternative splicing
Blood
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Researchers discovered two CD34 mRNA variants in mice, generated by alternative splicing. These variants, differing in their cytoplasmic tails, show distinct expression patterns in tissues, suggesting functional implications for CD34 signaling.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- The CD34 antigen is a cell surface glycoprotein involved in hematopoietic stem cell regulation.
- Understanding CD34's function requires characterizing its various molecular forms and expression patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize different forms of CD34 mRNA in murine stromal cells.
- To investigate the expression patterns of CD34 variants in various mouse tissues and fetal liver cells.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of CD34 mRNA variants from PA-6 cell line using a human CD34 probe.
- Genomic sequence analysis of the cytoplasmic portion to identify alternative splicing.
- Northern blot analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine tissue-specific expression.
Main Results:
- Two CD34 mRNA clones were isolated, differing in the cytoplasmic domain due to alternative splicing.
- CD34 mRNA was highly expressed in brain and testis, moderately in thymus, spleen, and bone marrow, and in fetal liver cells.
- A novel CD34 clone showed significantly higher expression in the brain compared to the previously reported clone.
Conclusions:
- Alternative splicing generates distinct CD34 mRNA variants with different carboxy-terminal tails.
- The differential expression of CD34 variants suggests tissue-specific functions and potential alterations in signal transduction pathways.