Identification of a transcript predicting an alternative form of sulfated glycoprotein-2 (clusterin) in rat tissues

As a clue to understand the role of androgen in rat seminal vesicle, we have isolated several cDNA clones of androgen-responsive mRNAs. During further characterizations of these cDNAs were in progress, a distinct cDNA clone designated p116 was isolated. The sequence study suggested the expression of a transcript predicting an alternative form of Sulfated Glycoprotein-2 (SGP-2)/clusterin. RT-PCR demonstrated the androgen-dependent expression of p116 transcript in the seminal vesicles. The transcript was also detectable in the ventral prostate, the liver and the thymus. Since SGP-2 has been suggested as a classical molecular marker of apoptosis, p116 transcript newly identified in the present study might provide a useful probe to further understand the roles of SGP-2 and its related proteins during the course of apoptotic process not only in male accessory sex organs, but also in many types of cells undergoing apoptosis.