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NF1 mRNA isoform expression in PC12 cells: modulation by extrinsic factors
1Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York 14642, USA.
Experimental Cell Research
|October 10, 1996
Summary
Environmental factors influence neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) gene splicing in rat cells. This suggests NF1 transcript changes may regulate neurofibromin
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- The rat neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) gene produces multiple transcript isoforms due to alternative splicing of exons 23a and 23b.
- The functional significance of these NF1 isoforms and the regulators of their expression remain largely undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors that modulate the expression of NF1 gene transcript isoforms in PC12 cells.
- To explore the relationship between NF1 isoform expression, cellular proliferation, and environmental cues.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of PC12 cells with nerve growth factor, dexamethasone, and cycloheximide.
- Analysis of NF1 transcript isoform expression using molecular techniques.
- Assessment of cellular proliferation rates.
Main Results:
- Nerve growth factor and dexamethasone increased the Type I NF1 isoform, correlating with reduced cellular proliferation.
- Dexamethasone-induced upregulation of the Type I isoform was dependent on RNA synthesis.
- Cycloheximide treatment revealed an additional transcript species, the murine Type III transcript.
Conclusions:
- NF1 alternative splicing is responsive to environmental stimuli in PC12 cells.
- Modulation of NF1 transcript types may play a role in the physiological regulation of neurofibromin.
- Changes in NF1 isoform expression could influence neurofibromin's role in cell differentiation and proliferation.