Related Experiment Videos
Sequence analysis of mouse cDNAs encoding ribosomal proteins L12 and L18
1Laboratory of Genetics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
Gene
|August 25, 1993
Summary
Mouse ribosomal proteins L12 and L18 cDNAs were sequenced, revealing high similarity to rat sequences. Gene family analysis indicates multiple copies exist, but only one functional copy of each gene appears active.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ribosomal proteins (r-proteins) are essential components of ribosomes, crucial for protein synthesis.
- Understanding the genetic basis and sequence conservation of r-proteins is vital for cellular function studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and determine the nucleotide sequences of mouse cDNAs encoding ribosomal proteins L12 and L18.
- To analyze the sequence homology, gene copy number, and functional implications of these r-protein genes in mouse and rat.
Main Methods:
- Complementary DNA (cDNA) isolation and sequencing for mouse ribosomal proteins L12 and L18.
- Nucleotide sequence analysis, including untranslated regions (UTRs) and coding sequences.
- Southern blot analysis or similar hybridization techniques using cDNA probes to assess gene copy number in mouse and rat genomes.
- Analysis of multiple cDNA clones to identify functional gene copies versus pseudogenes.
Main Results:
- Mouse L12 cDNA is 639 bp with a 498 nt coding sequence; L18 cDNA is 648 bp with a 567 nt coding sequence.
- High nucleotide sequence identity was found between mouse and rat L12 (96%) and L18 (92%) coding regions.
- Multiple copies (≥10) of L12 and L18 gene families were detected in both mouse and rat genomes.
- Analysis of L18 cDNA clones revealed no sequence heterogeneity, suggesting only one functional L18 gene copy, with others likely being pseudogenes.
- Deduced amino acid sequences for mouse L12 (165 aa, 17.8 kDa) and L18 (188 aa, 21.6 kDa) show high identity to rat counterparts (98% and 94%, respectively).
Conclusions:
- The study provides complete nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences for mouse ribosomal proteins L12 and L18.
- Conservation of L12 and L18 sequences between mouse and rat highlights their functional importance.
- The presence of multiple gene copies, with evidence of only one functional copy for L18, suggests complex gene regulation or evolutionary processes for ribosomal protein genes.