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cDNA cloning of mouse VLA-3 alpha subunit
K Takeuchi1, K Hirano, T Tsuji
1Division of Chemical Toxicology and Immunochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Journal of Cellular Biochemistry
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Researchers isolated and sequenced mouse alpha 3 integrin cDNA, revealing structural similarities to other VLA alpha subunits. Higher expression was found in the thymus compared to other organs.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Integrins are crucial cell surface receptors involved in cell adhesion and signaling.
- The very late antigen (VLA)-3 alpha subunit (alpha 3 integrin) plays a role in various biological processes.
- Understanding the structure and expression of alpha 3 integrin is important for elucidating its functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and sequence cDNA clones encoding the mouse alpha 3 integrin subunit.
- To analyze the structural characteristics of the mouse alpha 3 integrin.
- To investigate the tissue-specific expression pattern of alpha 3 integrin mRNA.
Main Methods:
- cDNA cloning and sequencing
- Bioinformatic sequence analysis
- Northern blotting analysis
Main Results:
- Successfully isolated and sequenced cDNA clones for mouse alpha 3 integrin.
- The mouse alpha 3 integrin subunit consists of 1,053 amino acid residues.
- Sequence analysis indicated structural homology with other VLA alpha subunits, featuring extracellular, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic domains.
- Northern blotting revealed higher alpha 3 integrin mRNA levels in the thymus compared to kidney, stomach, spleen, liver, brain, and lung.
Conclusions:
- The mouse alpha 3 integrin subunit shares conserved structural features with other VLA alpha subunits.
- The thymus exhibits a notably higher expression level of alpha 3 integrin mRNA, suggesting a potential role in thymic function.