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DLEU2 encodes an antisense RNA for the putative bicistronic RFP2/LEU5 gene in humans and mouse

Martin M Corcoran1, Marianne Hammarsund, Chaoyong Zhu

  • 1Molecular Biology Laboratory, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, United Kingdom.

Genes, Chromosomes & Cancer
|June 10, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The DLEU2 gene produces a noncoding antisense RNA that overlaps the RFP2/LEU5 gene. This antisense RNA may regulate RFP2/LEU5, suggesting a novel tumor-suppressor mechanism in malignancies.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Two novel genes, RFP2/LEU5 and DLEU2, were identified in a 13q14.3 genomic region frequently lost in malignancies.
  • No inactivating mutations were found, suggesting nonclassical tumor-suppressor mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of DLEU2 and RFP2/LEU5 in the 13q14.3 region.
  • To elucidate the complex gene organization and potential regulatory relationships.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of gene structure and alternative splicing of RFP2/LEU5.
  • Identification and characterization of the DLEU2 transcript as a noncoding antisense RNA.
  • Comparative analysis of gene structures in human and mouse genomes.

Main Results:

  • DLEU2 encodes a putative noncoding antisense RNA.
  • DLEU2's exon overlaps RFP2/LEU5's first exon in an antisense orientation.
  • RFP2/LEU5 exhibits complex alternative splicing, producing monocistronic and bicistronic transcripts.
  • Conserved gene organization and antisense relationship in mice suggest biological significance.

Conclusions:

  • The DLEU2 gene encodes a noncoding antisense RNA with a regulatory role over RFP2/LEU5.
  • The unusual gene organization and antisense relationship suggest a novel mechanism for tumor suppression.
  • Further research into DLEU2 and RFP2/LEU5 is warranted to understand their role in cancer.

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