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Published on: June 3, 2016

Arxes: retrotransposed genes required for adipogenesis.

Andreas Prokesch1, Juliane G Bogner-Strauss, Hubert Hackl

  • 1Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Graz University of Technology, Biocenter, Austria. andreas.prokesch@tugraz.at

Nucleic Acids Research
|December 24, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Newly identified genes, Arxes1 and Arxes2, evolved from a retrotransposed gene and are crucial for adipogenesis (fat cell formation). These genes are upregulated by anti-diabetic drugs, suggesting a therapeutic role.

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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Gene Regulation

Background:

  • Retrotransposed sequences, originating from RNA, typically form nonfunctional pseudogenes.
  • Processed pseudogenes are abundant in mammalian genomes.
  • The evolution and function of retrotransposed sequences remain an active area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the origin and function of novel retrotransposed genes, Arxes1 and Arxes2.
  • To determine the role of Arxes genes in adipogenesis and their regulation.
  • To explore the potential therapeutic implications of Arxes gene expression.

Main Methods:

  • Identification of paralog genes (Arxes1, Arxes2) derived from signal peptidase Spcs3 retrotransposition and duplication.
  • Analysis of gene promoter activity and transactivation by adipogenic transcription factors.
  • Quantitative mRNA expression analysis in adipose tissue and during adipogenesis.
  • Investigation of protein translation and subcellular localization.
  • Functional studies assessing the requirement of Arxes genes for adipogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Arxes1 and Arxes2 possess a functional promoter activated by adipogenic factors.
  • Arxes mRNAs are highly expressed in adipose tissue and upregulated during adipogenesis.
  • Expression of Arxes genes is enhanced by an anti-diabetic agent both in vitro and in vivo.
  • Arxes proteins are translated and localized to the endoplasmic reticulum.
  • Arxes gene expression is essential for adipogenesis, unlike the parental Spcs3 gene.

Conclusions:

  • Retrotransposition followed by duplication can generate functional genes (Arxes1, Arxes2).
  • These novel genes play a critical, tissue-specific role in adipogenesis.
  • Arxes genes represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention in metabolic diseases.