Structure of the human CD94 C-type lectin gene
A Rodríguez1, M Carretero, J Glienke
1Hospital de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Servicio de Inmunología, Madrid, Spain.
Immunogenetics
|April 4, 1998
Summary
The human CD94 gene has six exons and five introns, with its carbohydrate-recognition domain closely related to C-type lectins. Promoter analysis may explain CD94 glycoprotein expression on immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- CD94 is a C-type lectin glycoprotein expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T cells.
- Understanding the genomic structure and promoter region of CD94 is crucial for elucidating its selective expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the genomic structure of the human CD94 gene.
- To analyze the promoter region and transcription initiation sites of the CD94 gene.
- To provide insights into the selective expression of CD94 on specific immune cell populations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genomic clones from two human libraries.
- Primer extension assays.
- S1 nuclease protection assays.
Main Results:
- The human CD94 gene comprises six exons and five introns.
- The carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD) is encoded by three exons, suggesting a close relationship to group V C-type lectins.
- Transcription initiation is heterogeneous but localized to a 60 bp region containing a putative initiator element (TTA+1TTCA).
Conclusions:
- The genomic organization of CD94 is defined.
- The promoter region and transcription initiation characteristics are identified.
- This study provides a foundation for understanding the regulation of CD94 expression in immune cells.
Related Concept Videos
02:30Histone Variants at the Centromere
Histone variants are the histone proteins with structural and sequence variations. These variants may be regarded as “mutant” forms that replace their canonical histone counterparts in the nucleosomes. Specific post-translational modifications on the histone variants enable further chromatin complexity and regulate tissue-specific gene expression. The most common histone variants are from histone H2A, H2B, and linker histone H1 families. However, several variants of histone H3 variants are also...
02:32Exon Recombination
The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes.
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
01:05Type IV Collagen of Basal Lamina
Type IV collagen is a 400 nm long, network-forming collagen that acts as a barrier between the epithelial and endothelial cells. Type IV collagen forms the backbone of the basement membrane by scaffolding with laminin, entactin, proteoglycans, and fibronectin. Apart from rendering structural support to the basement membrane, it also helps entail signaling potentials necessary for both pathological and physiological functions.
A type IV collagen molecule has six alpha chains which can exist in...
A type IV collagen molecule has six alpha chains which can exist in...
01:25Structure of Cadherins
The cadherins were one of the first cell adhesion molecules discovered; the term “cadherins” is based on their calcium-dependent adhering properties. The first cadherins discovered on the epithelial, neuronal, and placental cells were named E-cadherin, P-cadherin, and N-cadherin, respectively. These classical cadherins share sequence and structural similarities. Other cadherins, including those involved in cell signaling, are grouped into non-classical cadherins. This diversity of cadherins...
01:28Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...