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Human complement factor H. Tissue specificity in the expression of three different mRNA species
W Schwaeble1, H Schwaiger, R A Brooimans
1Institut für Hygiene, Innsbruck, Austria.
European Journal of Biochemistry
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Complement factor H mRNA expression varies by tissue. The 1.4-kb mRNA species is liver-specific, while other forms are found in extrahepatic tissues, indicating tissue-specific regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Complement factor H (CFH) is crucial for regulating the complement system.
- Previous studies identified three CFH mRNA species (4.3 kb, 1.8 kb, 1.4 kb) constitutively expressed in human liver.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the tissue-specific expression and regulation of different complement factor H mRNA species.
- To determine if extrahepatic tissues express the same CFH mRNA profile as the liver.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of total RNA and poly(A)-enriched RNA from various human tissues and cell lines.
- Detection of factor H mRNA using cDNA clones H-19 and H-46.
- Investigated the effects of cytokines (interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and other molecules on CFH mRNA expression.
Main Results:
- Factor H mRNA was primarily detected in liver and lung among extrahepatic tissues.
- Only 4.3-kb and 1.8-kb mRNA species were found in extrahepatic tissues, contrasting with the abundant 1.4-kb species in the liver.
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha induced 4.3-kb mRNA in U937 cells, and cytokine/hormone effects showed significant tissue specificity in HUVEC and fibroblasts.
Conclusions:
- Complement factor H mRNA expression is regulated by tissue-specific mechanisms.
- The differential expression of CFH mRNA species contributes to its diverse roles in various tissues.
- Understanding tissue-specific regulation is key to deciphering CFH function in health and disease.