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Pregnancy associated increase in mRNA for soluble D-factor/LIF receptor in mouse liver
M Tomida1, Y Yamamoto-Yamaguchi, M Hozumi
1Department of Chemotherapy, Saitama Cancer Center Research Institute, Japan.
Abstract:
We examined the distribution of mRNAs for differentiation-stimulating factor (D-factor)/leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) receptor in various mouse tissues by Northern blotting. A mouse cDNA fragment encoding the D-factor receptor was prepared by the RT-PCR method using human cDNA sequences as primers. The smallest mRNA (3 kb) was present in the liver, but not detectable in other tissues examined. Larger mRNAs (5 and 10 kb) were present in the placenta and the M1 cells, and also detectable in the liver, kidney, heart, lung, brain and embryos. Expression of 3 kb mRNA in the liver increased during pregnancy, being 20 times the initial level on day 15. D-factor receptor cDNAs were isolated from a cDNA library prepared from the liver of a pregnant mouse. Most of the cDNA clones encoded a soluble receptor. A cDNA probe specific for the cellular receptor did not hybridize with 3 kb mRNA in the liver. These results suggest that 3 kb mRNA encodes a soluble D-factor receptor and that the liver is the primary site of synthesis of this soluble receptor.
Insights
The liver primarily synthesizes a soluble differentiation-stimulating factor (D-factor) receptor, indicated by a specific 3 kb mRNA. This mRNA
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Differentiation-stimulating factor (D-factor), also known as leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), plays crucial roles in cellular differentiation and development.
- Understanding the expression patterns and forms of its receptor is vital for elucidating its biological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the tissue distribution of differentiation-stimulating factor (D-factor)/leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) receptor mRNAs in mice.
- To characterize the specific mRNA species encoding the D-factor receptor, particularly in the liver during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Northern blotting was employed to analyze mRNA distribution across various mouse tissues.
- Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to generate a mouse cDNA fragment for the D-factor receptor.
- cDNA library screening and hybridization techniques were utilized to identify receptor variants.
Main Results:
- A distinct 3 kb mRNA for the D-factor receptor was predominantly found in the liver, unlike larger 5 and 10 kb mRNAs detected in other tissues and placenta.
- Expression of the 3 kb liver mRNA significantly increased during pregnancy, reaching 20 times the initial level by day 15.
- Analysis of liver cDNA clones revealed that most encoded a soluble receptor, and the 3 kb mRNA did not hybridize with probes specific for the cellular receptor.
Conclusions:
- The 3 kb mRNA in mouse liver likely encodes a soluble form of the D-factor receptor.
- The liver is identified as the primary site for the synthesis of this soluble D-factor receptor.
- Pregnancy influences the expression levels of the soluble D-factor receptor mRNA in the liver.