Related Experiment Videos
Genetic analysis of two rat acetyltransferases
S J Land1, R F Jones, C M King
1Molecular and Chemical Carcinogenesis Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Carcinogenesis
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Researchers identified two rat acetyltransferase genes (AT1 and AT2) in Sprague-Dawley rats. These genes are expressed across numerous tissues, indicating broad physiological roles for these acetyltransferases.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Acetyltransferases play crucial roles in various cellular processes.
- Understanding the genetic basis and expression patterns of acetyltransferases is vital for comprehending their functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize acetyltransferase genes in Sprague-Dawley rat DNA.
- To determine the expression profiles of these genes across different rat tissues.
Main Methods:
- Southern blot analysis using gene-specific probes.
- DNA sequencing and sequence analysis.
- Northern blot analysis and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).
Main Results:
- Two related acetyltransferase genes (AT1 and AT2) were detected, each with an intronless coding region of 870 bp.
- Both genes encode 290 amino acid proteins with ~85% homology, conserved cysteine residues, and distinct molecular weights and isoelectric points.
- Transcripts for AT1 and AT2 were found in a wide array of tissues, including brain, liver, heart, and reproductive organs, suggesting widespread expression.
Conclusions:
- Sprague-Dawley rats possess at least two distinct acetyltransferase genes with conserved functional domains.
- The broad tissue distribution of AT1 and AT2 transcripts implies significant physiological importance and diverse roles in rat biology.