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Analysis of the mouse selenoprotein P gene
P Steinert1, D Bächner, L Flohé
1Department of Physiological Chemistry, Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany.
Biological Chemistry
|August 1, 1998
Summary
This study reveals the tissue-specific expression of selenoprotein P (SELENOP) in mice, identifying its presence in the liver, testis, brain, gut, and hematopoietic cells. The research also details the genomic structure and promoter elements of the murine selp gene.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Vertebrates possess selenoproteins with covalently bound selenocysteine residues.
- Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) is unique, integrating 8-12 selenocysteine residues co-translationally.
- The precise function and expression patterns of SELENOP remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the tissue-specific expression of selenoprotein P in mice.
- To analyze the genomic DNA and promoter region of the murine selp gene.
- To elucidate potential regulatory mechanisms underlying SELENOP expression.
Main Methods:
- RNA in situ hybridization was employed to determine tissue-specific expression.
- The murine selp gene, including its promoter, was sequenced.
- Bioinformatic analysis identified transcription factor binding motifs within the promoter region.
Main Results:
- Selenoprotein P expression was confirmed primarily in the liver, with additional expression in testis, brain, gut, and hematopoietic cells.
- The murine selp gene comprises five exons, with coding sequences in exons 2-5.
- The promoter region contains a TATA motif, HNF3beta, GATA-1, BRN-2, and SRY binding motifs, suggesting complex transcriptional regulation.
Conclusions:
- Selenoprotein P exhibits diverse tissue-specific expression patterns in mice.
- The identified promoter elements provide insights into the regulation of selp gene transcription.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand the functional significance of SELENOP in various tissues.