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Detection of Alternative Splicing During Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: October 9, 2014
Novel alternatively spliced isoforms of MEF2A and their mRNA expression patterns in pigs
Xiao Hong Guo1, Qi Zhang, Meng Li
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, People's Republic of China. jinrenn@163.com.
Abstract:
The present study aimed to identify the alternatively spliced isoforms of pig MEF2A gene and to determine theirmRNA expression patterns. Four alternatively spliced isoforms of pig MEF2A gene (i.e. MEF2A1, MEF2A2, MEF2A3 and MEF2A4) were cloned according to the results of transcriptome sequencing. The fifth to eighth exons of MEF2A1 were normally spliced. In MEF2A2, the fifth exon was missing; the sixth exon had an extra 138 bp at its 5' end, and the seventh exon had an extra 102 bp at its 3' end. In MEF2A3, the fifth exon was missing, and the sixth exon had an additional 138 bp at its 5' end. In MEF2A4, the seventh exon had an extra 102 bp at its 3' end. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis indicated that the expression profiles of the four alternatively spliced transcripts in the longissimus dorsi differed between the Mashen and Large White pigs. MEF2A1 and MEF2A2 expression levels were the highest at 90 days of age and lowest at 180 days of age. MEF2A3 and MEF2A4 expression levels increased with age (in days). The four alternatively spliced isoforms of MEF2A were also expressed in the small intestine, cerebellum, pancreas, heart and lung. The discovery of new alternatively spliced transcripts of the MEF2A gene may be utilized in understanding its biological functions.
Insights
Researchers identified four new alternatively spliced isoforms of the pig Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2A (MEF2A) gene. Their expression patterns varied by pig breed and age, offering insights into MEF2A gene function.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Animal Science
Background:
- The Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2A (MEF2A) gene plays crucial roles in muscle development and cellular differentiation.
- Understanding alternative splicing of MEF2A is essential for elucidating its diverse functions in different tissues and developmental stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize alternatively spliced isoforms of the pig MEF2A gene.
- To investigate the mRNA expression patterns of these isoforms in different pig breeds and at various ages.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome sequencing was used to identify and clone four alternatively spliced MEF2A isoforms (MEF2A1-MEF2A4).
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to analyze the expression levels of these isoforms.
Main Results:
- Four novel alternatively spliced isoforms of the pig MEF2A gene were identified and cloned.
- Expression profiles of MEF2A isoforms differed between Mashen and Large White pigs in the longissimus dorsi muscle.
- MEF2A1 and MEF2A2 expression decreased with age, while MEF2A3 and MEF2A4 expression increased with age.
- The identified isoforms were also expressed in various tissues, including the small intestine, cerebellum, pancreas, heart, and lung.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully identified novel alternatively spliced isoforms of the pig MEF2A gene.
- Distinct expression patterns of these isoforms suggest tissue-specific and age-dependent roles.
- These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of MEF2A gene regulation and function in pigs.
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