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The complete structure of the rat VIP gene
1Department of Hormone Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
Brain Research. Molecular Brain Research
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Researchers compared the rat and human vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) genes, finding high homology in coding regions and conserved regulatory elements. This highlights the evolutionary importance of these VIP gene sequences.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is a crucial neuropeptide involved in numerous physiological processes.
- Understanding the genetic basis of VIP is essential for comprehending its diverse functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize the rat gene encoding pre-pro VIP/PHI-27.
- To compare the rat VIP gene with the human VIP gene.
Main Methods:
- Utilized synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide probes for gene isolation.
- Performed comparative sequence analysis of rat and human VIP genes.
Main Results:
- The rat VIP gene is 7400 base pairs with 7 exons and 6 introns, showing 100% identity between exons and cDNA.
- Significant homology (80-90%) was observed in rat and human coding exons (2, 4-6), with lower homology in exons 1 and 7.
- The 5'-flanking regions of both genes exhibit over 75% identity, including conserved regulatory elements like TATA-boxes and a cAMP-responsive element.
Conclusions:
- Intronic size differences account for variations in overall gene length between rat and human.
- High conservation in coding exons and regulatory regions suggests functional importance and evolutionary pressure on the VIP gene.