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Human endothelial cell growth factor: cloning, nucleotide sequence, and chromosome localization
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 1, 1986
Summary
Researchers identified the human endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF) gene, mapping it to chromosome 5. This discovery clarifies the structure of ECGF, a key protein in blood vessel formation and homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Endothelial cell growth factors (ECGFs) are crucial for blood vessel homeostasis.
- Previous research identified various ECGFs, but their precise genetic origins and sequences were not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize complementary DNA (cDNA) clones encoding human ECGF.
- To determine the gene's location and sequence, and deduce the amino acid sequence of the protein.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of two overlapping cDNA clones from a human brain stem cDNA library.
- Southern blot analysis to determine gene copy number and map the gene.
- Nucleic acid sequencing to deduce the complete amino acid sequence of human ECGF.
Main Results:
- Two cDNA clones encoding human ECGF were successfully isolated.
- The ECGF gene was mapped to human chromosome 5, bands 5q31.3 to 33.2, with Southern blot analysis indicating a single gene copy.
- A 4.8-kilobase messenger RNA was detected in human brain stem.
- The deduced amino acid sequence confirmed that human ECGF encompasses previously characterized acidic endothelial cell mitogens.
- The ECGF open reading frame lacks a signal peptide, suggesting it is not secreted, a characteristic shared with human interleukin-1, to which ECGF shows partial homology.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully isolated and characterized human ECGF, providing its complete amino acid sequence.
- The findings establish the genetic basis for ECGF and its localization on chromosome 5.
- The deduced sequence and lack of a secretion signal provide insights into ECGF's function and regulation in endothelial cell biology.