Quantitative analysis of alternative transcripts of human PCDH11X/Y genes

The Protocadherin 11X/Y (PCDH11X/Y) gene pair has been proposed as a carrier of the variation relating to cerebral asymmetry and psychosis on the ground that the Y gene was generated by duplication at 6 million years (close to the chimpanzee-human separation) and there is a case for an X/Y determinant of cerebral asymmetry. The present article investigated the patterns of alternative splicing and expression of the PCDH11X/Y genes. Twelve alternative transcripts of PCDH11X/Y genes were presently identified by in silico analysis. To investigate the biological roles of alternative transcripts of PCDH11X/Y genes, the transcripts were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction amplification. A total of 31 normal tissues including 11 different regions of human brain were used to investigate a wide spectrum of expression profiles. Dominant expression patterns were identified in several tissues (Tx1-fetal liver; Tx3-adult brain; Tx4-adult brain and kidney; Tx5-bone marrow; Ty1-fetal brain; Ty2-adrenal gland). Tx4 transcripts showed specific expression patterns in olfactory tissues. The findings can guide functional investigation of neuropsychiatric disorders.