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A novel putative receptor protein tyrosine kinase of the met family
C Ronsin1, F Muscatelli, M G Mattei
1INSERM U211, Institut de Biologie, Nantes, France.
Abstract:
By successive screenings of cDNA libraries prepared from human tumours and from human foreskin keratinocytes, we have isolated overlapping cDNAs coding for a novel protein which we call Ron, with sequence characteristics of a receptor protein tyrosine kinase. Ron is a 1400 amino acid protein structurally similar to the 1408 amino acid product of the C-MET proto-oncogene, the receptor for hepatocyte growth factor and scatter factor. The two proteins have 63% overall sequence identity in their intracellular regions. We have localised the RON gene to human chromosome region 3p21, a region frequently deleted in small cell carcinoma of the lung and in renal cell carcinoma, and which is believed to harbour unidentified tumour suppressor genes. Interestingly, normal lung tissue contains transcripts of the RON gene.
Insights
Researchers discovered a novel receptor tyrosine kinase protein called Ron. This protein is structurally similar to the C-MET proto-oncogene and is located on chromosome 3p21, a region associated with certain cancers.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- Receptor protein tyrosine kinases play crucial roles in cellular signaling pathways.
- The C-MET proto-oncogene, a known receptor tyrosine kinase, is implicated in various cancers.
- Chromosome region 3p21 is frequently altered in lung and renal cell carcinomas and may harbor tumor suppressor genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel genes involved in human cellular processes.
- To investigate potential new targets for cancer research.
Main Methods:
- Screening of cDNA libraries from human tumors and keratinocytes.
- Isolation and sequencing of overlapping cDNAs.
- Sequence analysis and comparison with known proteins.
- Gene localization using chromosome mapping techniques.
Main Results:
- Isolation of cDNAs encoding a novel protein, termed Ron, with characteristics of a receptor protein tyrosine kinase.
- Ron protein (1400 amino acids) shows structural similarity to the C-MET proto-oncogene product (1408 amino acids).
- Significant overall sequence identity (63%) between Ron and C-MET in their intracellular regions.
- Localization of the RON gene to human chromosome region 3p21.
- Detection of RON gene transcripts in normal lung tissue.
Conclusions:
- A novel receptor tyrosine kinase, Ron, has been identified.
- The RON gene's location on chromosome 3p21 suggests a potential role in tumor suppression.
- Ron's structural similarity to C-MET warrants further investigation into its function and potential involvement in cancer.