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A novel truncated variant form of Ebk/MDK1 receptor tyrosine kinase is expressed in embryonic mouse brain
A H Talukder1, T Muramatsu, N Kaneda
1Department of Biochemistry, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
We have isolated cDNA clones from a mouse embryonic head cDNA library that encode one member of the Eph/Eck family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), Ebk/MDK1. Among the 10 clones, two showed full-length type comprising extracellular, transmembrane and intracellular kinase domains. Two of them were modified just after the transmembrane domain and stop codon appeared before completing the kinase domain. This truncated form also had a deletion of five amino acids at the extracellular domain, indicating that it is a novel variant of Ebk/MDK1. RNase protection assay showed that this truncated deleted type, named Ebk-td1, is present in the head of embryos, although the amount is less compared to that of the full-length type having a deletion of four amino acids. Considering the source and expression of Ebk/MDK1 mRNAs, they may have an important role, accompanied with a possible regulatory role of the truncated variant, during neural development and/or in embryogenesis.
Insights
Researchers identified a novel truncated variant of the Ebk/MDK1 receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) in mouse embryonic heads. This variant may play a regulatory role in neural development and embryogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The Eph/Eck family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are crucial for cell signaling.
- Ebk/MDK1 is a member of this family involved in embryonic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize cDNA clones encoding Ebk/MDK1 from a mouse embryonic head library.
- To identify and analyze novel variants of Ebk/MDK1.
Main Methods:
- cDNA library screening
- RNase protection assay
Main Results:
- Isolated full-length Ebk/MDK1 and a novel truncated deleted variant (Ebk-td1).
- Ebk-td1 has a deletion in the extracellular domain and a premature stop codon.
- Ebk-td1 is expressed in embryonic heads, albeit at lower levels than the full-length form.
Conclusions:
- The full-length Ebk/MDK1 and its novel truncated variant Ebk-td1 are expressed during mouse embryogenesis.
- These molecules likely play significant roles in neural development and embryogenesis.
- The truncated variant may have a regulatory function in these processes.