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Characterization of the mouse lymphotoxin-beta gene
1Department of Inflammation and Immunology, Biogen, Cambridge, MA 02142.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Researchers detailed the mouse lymphotoxin-beta (LT-beta) gene structure, finding it similar to humans but lacking an intron. This genetic alteration impacts protein structure and expression, primarily in lymphoid organs.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Lymphotoxin-beta (LT-beta) is a TNF family ligand.
- LT-beta forms heteromeric complexes with LT-alpha on cell surfaces.
- Understanding LT-beta gene structure is crucial for immune function studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the mouse LT-beta gene structure.
- Analyze the TNF/LT locus in the mouse H-2 region.
- Compare mouse and human LT-beta gene structures.
Main Methods:
- cDNA cloning.
- Genomic DNA fragment analysis.
- Northern analysis.
Main Results:
- Mouse and human LT-beta genes share similar MHC class III region locations.
- The mouse gene lacks an intron present in other family members.
- An altered splice donor in intron 2 results in a nonfunctional splice site.
- A 66-amino acid insertion occurs in the stalk region of the LT-beta protein.
- LT-beta is predominantly expressed in lymphoid organs.
Conclusions:
- The mouse LT-beta gene structure has unique features compared to other TNF family members.
- These structural alterations influence LT-beta protein and its expression.
- Further studies on the mouse TNF locus can elucidate immune function relationships.