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Five novel avian Eph-related tyrosine kinases are differentially expressed
1La Jolla Cancer Research Foundation, California 92037.
Abstract:
We have identified cDNA clones that encode five new avian receptor-like tyrosine kinases of the Eph subclass, by screening two chicken embryonic cDNA libraries with DNA probes. We have designated them Cek6 to Cek10. The identification of these kinases indicates that the Eph subclass comprises at least 10 members and, therefore, represents a very large family of receptor-like tyrosine kinases. Variants of Cek10 and of Cek5 (a previously identified Eph-related kinase) containing amino acid insertion sequences in the juxtamembrane domain were also isolated. The Cek5 variant is expressed in the brain, but not in other tissues of the 10-day chick embryo. Analysis of 10-day chick embryo mRNAs shows the newly identified tyrosine kinases to be all expressed in both the embryonic brain and body tissues. In adult tissues, they display distinct patterns of expression. Cek6, Cek7, Cek8, Cek9 and Cek10 are likely to play significant roles in embryonic signal transduction pathways, including those involved in neural development. Their distinct tissue distributions in the adult suggest that the different members of the Eph family may each serve specific functions.
Insights
Researchers identified five new avian receptor-like tyrosine kinases (Eph subclass), Cek6 to Cek10, expanding the known Eph family to at least 10 members. These kinases are crucial for embryonic development, particularly neural pathways.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The Eph subclass of receptor-like tyrosine kinases plays critical roles in cellular communication and development.
- Previous studies had identified several Eph family members, but the full extent of the family was unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel members of the avian Eph subclass of receptor-like tyrosine kinases.
- To characterize the expression patterns of newly identified Eph kinases in embryonic and adult tissues.
Main Methods:
- Screening of chicken embryonic cDNA libraries using DNA probes.
- Isolation and characterization of cDNA clones encoding new tyrosine kinases.
- Analysis of mRNA expression in embryonic and adult chicken tissues.
Main Results:
- Identification of five new avian Eph subclass receptor-like tyrosine kinases, designated Cek6 to Cek10.
- Demonstration that the Eph subclass comprises at least 10 members.
- Isolation of variants of Cek10 and Cek5 with insertions in the juxtamembrane domain.
- Expression analysis revealed that Cek6-Cek10 are present in embryonic brain and body tissues, with distinct expression patterns in adult tissues.
Conclusions:
- The Eph subclass is a large family of receptor-like tyrosine kinases with at least 10 members.
- Newly identified Eph kinases (Cek6-Cek10) are involved in embryonic signal transduction, including neural development.
- Distinct adult tissue expression patterns suggest specialized functions for individual Eph family members.