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Mouse type II collagen gene. Complete nucleotide sequence, exon structure, and alternative splicing
M Metsäranta1, D Toman, B de Crombrugghe
1Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|September 5, 1991
Summary
Researchers characterized the mouse type II collagen gene, revealing its structure, 54 exons, and alternative splicing. This detailed gene knowledge aids in understanding collagen regulation and future genetic studies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Type II collagen is crucial for cartilage and is encoded by the pro alpha 1(II) collagen gene.
- Understanding gene structure and regulation is key to studying collagen-related disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize the entire mouse pro alpha 1(II) collagen gene.
- To analyze its exon-intron organization, mRNA species, and flanking sequences.
- To compare its structure with homologous genes in other species.
Main Methods:
- Cosmid library screening
- Restriction mapping
- DNA sequencing
- RNA analysis
Main Results:
- The mouse pro alpha 1(II) collagen gene spans 28.9 kb with 54 exons.
- Identified a major mRNA species and an alternatively spliced variant.
- Found high nucleotide sequence identity (89%) with the human gene.
- Conserved intron sizes with human but not chick genes.
- Promoter analysis revealed TATA box and GC-rich elements.
Conclusions:
- The mouse pro alpha 1(II) collagen gene structure is highly conserved, particularly its exon-intron organization, compared to other fibrillar collagens.
- Conserved noncoding sequences offer insights into gene regulation.
- Detailed gene knowledge is essential for future genetic manipulation studies, including site-directed mutagenesis and transgenic mouse models.