Human elongation factor 1 alpha: a polymorphic and conserved multigene family with multiple chromosomal localizations

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research
• Genetics

Background:

• The tumor-promoting phorbol ester activates specific genes in human melanoma cells.
• Elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1 alpha) is a key protein in protein synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role and characteristics of elongation factor 1 alpha in human melanoma.
• To analyze the gene structure, expression, and genomic organization of EF-1 alpha.

Main Methods:

• cDNA cloning and sequencing to analyze EF-1 alpha.
• Northern blot analysis to quantify mRNA levels.
• Southern blot analysis and in situ hybridization to study gene family and chromosomal localization.

Main Results:

• A cDNA clone for EF-1 alpha was isolated, showing homology with other species.
• Phorbol ester treatment induced a 3- to 5-fold increase in EF-1 alpha mRNA.
• Human genome contains a multi-gene family for EF-1 alpha with multiple chromosomal localizations and over ten copies per haploid genome.

Conclusions:

• Elongation factor 1 alpha is significantly upregulated in melanoma cells by phorbol ester.
• The human EF-1 alpha gene family is complex, indicating potential regulatory mechanisms.
• Understanding EF-1 alpha's genomic organization and expression is crucial for melanoma research.