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Identification of a gene induced by glucocorticoids in murine T-cells: a potential G protein-coupled receptor
M T Harrigan1, N F Campbell, S Bourgeois
1Regulatory Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego, California 92186-5800.
Abstract:
Using cDNA cloning techniques we previously identified a set of genes induced by glucocorticoids and cAMP in murine T-lymphocytes. We report here the sequence of one of these cDNA clones (clone 4.2), renamed here as glucocorticoid-induced receptor (GIR), which encodes a potential new member of the family of receptors that couple to G-proteins. Several different forms of cDNA for this gene were isolated and shown to correspond to multiple mRNA species in lymphoid cells using an RNase protection assay. The cDNA clone corresponding to the most abundant form of GIR mRNA encodes a precursor protein of 423 amino acids, with a putative signal peptide of 17 amino acids. A hydropathy plot reveals the presence of seven hydrophobic regions, with significant similarities to other G-protein-coupled receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Insights
Researchers identified a novel glucocorticoid-induced receptor (GIR) in T-lymphocytes. This receptor may represent a new G-protein-coupled receptor, with multiple mRNA forms detected.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Glucocorticoids and cAMP induce specific genes in murine T-lymphocytes.
- Previous cDNA cloning identified a set of these induced genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the sequence and characteristics of a novel gene, glucocorticoid-induced receptor (GIR).
- To investigate the different forms of GIR mRNA in lymphoid cells.
Main Methods:
- cDNA cloning
- RNase protection assay
- Sequence analysis
- Hydropathy plot analysis
Main Results:
- Identified and sequenced clone 4.2, renamed glucocorticoid-induced receptor (GIR).
- GIR encodes a potential new G-protein-coupled receptor.
- Multiple mRNA species for GIR were detected in lymphoid cells.
- The most abundant GIR mRNA form encodes a 423 amino acid precursor protein with a 17 amino acid signal peptide.
- Hydropathy plot indicates seven hydrophobic regions, similar to other G-protein-coupled receptors.
Conclusions:
- GIR is a potential new member of the G-protein-coupled receptor family.
- The gene exhibits alternative mRNA splicing in T-lymphocytes.