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Evidence that the mouse osteocalcin-related gene does not encode nephrocalcin
Martin Petrucci1, Yves Paquette, François A Leblond
1Centre de Recherche Guy-Bernier, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Canada.
Nephron. Experimental Nephrology
|August 12, 2006
Summary
The osteocalcin-related gene (ORG) is a silent gene in mice, unlikely to play a significant role in kidney function. Studies found no evidence of ORG protein expression in vivo or in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Renal Physiology
Background:
- The osteocalcin-related gene (ORG) is a mouse-specific gene.
- ORG is predicted to encode a gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-rich protein and may function as a kidney crystallization inhibitor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if ORG encodes mouse nephrocalcin.
- To investigate the in vivo and in vitro expression of ORG.
Main Methods:
- Expressed fluorescent fusion ORG proteins in kidney cell lines.
- Generated transgenic mice with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the ORG promoter.
Main Results:
- ORG mRNA expression was detected in mouse kidneys and other tissues.
- Fusion constructs in opossum kidney cells showed protein integrity.
- Transgenic mice exhibited no EGFP expression in kidneys or other tissues, despite using a 5.8 kb ORG promoter fragment.
Conclusions:
- The ORG gene is silent in mice.
- ORG is unlikely to play a significant role in mouse renal physiology.