Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
Quantitative Analysis of Alternative Pre-mRNA Splicing in Mouse Brain Sections Using RNA In Situ Hybridization Assay
Published on: August 26, 2018
Prolyl carboxypeptidase mRNA expression in the mouse brain
Jin Kwon Jeong1, Sabrina Diano2
1Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Ob/Gyn & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Abstract:
Prolyl carboxypeptidase (PRCP), a serine protease, is widely expressed in the body including liver, lung, kidney and brain, with a variety of known substrates such as plasma prekallikrein, bradykinin, angiotensins II and III, and α-MSH, suggesting its role in the processing of tissue-specific substrates. In the brain, PRCP has been shown to inactivate hypothalamic α-MSH, thus modulating melanocortin signaling in the control of energy metabolism. While its expression pattern has been reported in the hypothalamus, little is known on the distribution of PRCP throughout the mouse brain. This study was undertaken to determine PRCP expression in the mouse brain. Radioactive in situ hybridization was performed to determine endogenous PRCP mRNA expression. In addition, using a gene-trap mouse model for PRCP deletion, X-gal staining was performed to further determine PRCP distribution. Results from both approaches showed that PRCP gene is broadly expressed in the brain.
Insights
Prolyl carboxypeptidase (PRCP) is a brain enzyme involved in energy metabolism. This study reveals PRCP gene is broadly expressed throughout the mouse brain, impacting melanocortin signaling.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Prolyl carboxypeptidase (PRCP) is a serine protease with diverse substrates, including those involved in energy metabolism.
- PRCP inactivates hypothalamic α-MSH, modulating brain melanocortin signaling.
- Limited information exists on PRCP distribution across the entire mouse brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively map the expression and distribution of PRCP throughout the mouse brain.
- To understand the anatomical localization of PRCP relevant to its function in the central nervous system.
Main Methods:
- Radioactive in situ hybridization to detect PRCP mRNA expression.
- X-gal staining in a PRCP gene-trap mouse model to visualize PRCP distribution.
Main Results:
- PRCP mRNA expression was detected broadly across the mouse brain.
- Gene-trap analysis confirmed widespread PRCP distribution in various brain regions.
- Both methods indicate a broad expression pattern of the PRCP gene in the brain.
Conclusions:
- The PRCP gene is broadly expressed throughout the mouse brain.
- This widespread distribution supports PRCP's diverse roles in central nervous system functions, including energy metabolism regulation.
