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mRNA variants encoding multiple forms of the high-affinity IgE receptor alpha subunit in transformed and

M W Robertson1, V S Mehl, M L Richards

  • 1Medical Biology Institute, La Jolla, Calif.

International Archives of Allergy and Applied Immunology
|January 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified a specific messenger RNA (mRNA) variant lacking a 163-bp sequence in mast cells. This finding reveals alternative splicing in the high-affinity IgE receptor alpha subunit (Fc epsilon RI-alpha) gene.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Multiple messenger RNA (mRNA) species for the high-affinity IgE receptor alpha subunit (Fc epsilon RI-alpha) have been identified in rat basophilic leukemia cells.
  • The Fc epsilon RI-alpha subunit is crucial for IgE-mediated allergic responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and characteristics of Fc epsilon RI-alpha mRNA variants in normal and transformed mast cells.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the generation of Fc epsilon RI-alpha mRNA diversity.

Main Methods:

  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect specific mRNA sequences.
  • Analysis of a partial murine Fc epsilon RI-alpha genomic clone.
  • Cell-free translation of mRNA variants to characterize protein products.

Main Results:

  • A specific Fc epsilon RI-alpha mRNA variant with a 163-bp deletion was identified in normal rat connective tissue mast cells and murine mast cell lines.
  • A partial genomic clone revealed the internal-deletion sequence, suggesting alternative pre-mRNA splicing.
  • Translated protein products from mRNA variants were partially characterized.

Conclusions:

  • Alternative pre-mRNA splicing generates Fc epsilon RI-alpha mRNA variants in mast cells.
  • This molecular mechanism contributes to the diversity of Fc epsilon RI-alpha forms expressed in different mast cell populations.

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