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Molecular cloning of murine FLT and FLT4
H Finnerty1, K Kelleher, G E Morris
1Genetics Institute, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140.
Abstract:
A wide range of growth and differentiation processes are regulated by the signalling of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). We have developed a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure with degenerate primers, and used it to identify RTKs expressed in murine fetal thymus. A novel RTK, called FLT4, and the murine homologue of FLT were found, and their PCR fragment sequences were used to isolate larger cDNA clones spanning the complete coding regions of these receptors. FLT4 was found to contain an extracellular region similar to the corresponding sequences of FLT and Flk-1, containing seven immunoglobulin domains.
Insights
Researchers identified novel receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in mouse fetal thymus using nested PCR. This study discovered FLT4 and a FLT homologue, advancing understanding of developmental signalling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are crucial regulators of cellular processes.
- Understanding RTK expression in developmental tissues is vital for developmental biology research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) expressed in the murine fetal thymus.
- To characterize the molecular features of newly identified RTKs.
Main Methods:
- Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with degenerate primers was employed.
- Identification of RTKs in murine fetal thymus tissue.
- Isolation of complementary DNA (cDNA) clones for full coding region sequencing.
Main Results:
- A novel RTK, designated FLT4, was identified.
- The murine homologue of FLT was also discovered.
- FLT4 possesses an extracellular region with seven immunoglobulin domains, similar to FLT and Flk-1.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully identified novel RTKs in the developing mouse thymus.
- FLT4 represents a new member of the RTK family with potential roles in thymus development.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of RTK signalling in embryonic development.