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Expression of Vpre-B3 (8HS-20) molecules by alternative RNA processing
S Hagiwara1, Y Tsunetsugu-Yokota, H Kimoto
1Department of Immunology, National Institute of Health of Japan, Tokyo, Japan.
International Immunology
|August 1, 1996
Summary
The Vpre-B3 gene produces distinct protein isoforms through alternative RNA processing in B cells. This mechanism explains the varied biochemical properties observed in Vpre-B3 expression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mu chains in pre-B cells associate with surrogate L chains (lambda 5 and Vpre-B1).
- Mu chains also associate with Vpre-B3 gene products, which have unique biochemical properties.
- The generation mechanism for Vpre-B3 isoforms was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism behind the generation of Vpre-B3 isoforms.
- To determine if alternative RNA processing contributes to Vpre-B3 isoform diversity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Vpre-B3 gene transcript processing in normal and lymphoma B cells.
- Transfection of WEHI 231 cells with Vpre-B3 genomic and cDNA clones.
- Biochemical characterization of expressed Vpre-B3 isoforms (mol. wt, pI, glycosylation).
Main Results:
- Alternative RNA processing of the Vpre-B3 gene transcript was observed in normal B cells and B cell lymphomas.
- Transfection with the Vpre-B3 genomic clone led to expression of Vpre-B3 isoforms with biochemical characteristics similar to those in pre-B cell lymphomas.
- Transfection with the Vpre-B3 cDNA clone resulted in the absence of one Vpre-B3 isoform.
Conclusions:
- Vpre-B3 isoforms with distinct biochemical characteristics are generated through alternative processing of Vpre-B3 mRNA.
- Alternative RNA processing is the key mechanism for generating Vpre-B3 isoform diversity.