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Structure and localization on the X chromosome of the gene coding for the human filopodial protein moesin (MSN)
K K Wilgenbus1, C L Hsieh, W T Lankes
1Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305-5324.
Abstract:
Moesin is a member of a recently discovered family of closely related proteins that includes ezrin, radixin, and merlin. It is widely expressed in different tissues and cells and has been localized to filopodia and other membranous protrusions that are important for cell-cell recognition and signaling and cell movement. Here, we have localized the coding gene (MSN) to Xq11.2-q12 by Southern and Western blot analyses of Chinese hamster x human somatic cell hybrids and by fluorescence chromosomal in situ hybridization. Moesin-like sequences were identified on chromosomes 5 and 6. The murine Msn locus was mapped to the X chromosome as well by studying a rodent x mouse hybrid panel. The structure of the human moesin gene has been determined. The 12 exons are distributed over > 30 kb, and the exon/intron junctions demarcate individual highly conserved domains. Primer extension analysis revealed two major start transcription sites, 184 and 133 bp upstream of the initiation codon. The 5'-flanking region is GC-rich, lacks a TATA box, and contains four SP1 and one AP1 binding sites.
Insights
Researchers mapped the human moesin gene (MSN) to chromosome X. This gene is crucial for cell movement and signaling, with its structure and regulatory elements now detailed.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Moesin is a protein involved in cell structure and function, part of a family including ezrin, radixin, and merlin.
- Moesin localizes to cellular protrusions vital for cell recognition, signaling, and motility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the chromosomal location of the human moesin gene (MSN).
- To analyze the structure and transcriptional regulation of the human moesin gene.
Main Methods:
- Southern and Western blot analyses using somatic cell hybrids.
- Fluorescence chromosomal in situ hybridization (FISH).
- Analysis of rodent x mouse hybrid panels and gene sequencing.
Main Results:
- The human MSN gene was localized to chromosome Xq11.2-q12.
- Moesin-like sequences were found on chromosomes 5 and 6.
- The murine Msn locus was mapped to the mouse X chromosome.
- The human moesin gene structure comprises 12 exons over >30 kb.
- Two transcription start sites were identified, and the 5'-flanking region contains SP1 and AP1 binding sites.
Conclusions:
- The human moesin gene (MSN) is located on the X chromosome.
- The gene structure and regulatory elements suggest conserved functions and transcriptional control mechanisms.