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Characterization of the mouse Men1 gene and its expression during development
C Stewart1, F Parente, F Piehl
1Queensland Cancer Fund Research Laboratories, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, PO Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Australia.
Oncogene
|November 21, 1998
Summary
Researchers characterized the mouse Men1 gene, finding it highly similar to the human gene and expressed widely during development and in adult tissues, including the CNS and testes.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The gene for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) was recently identified.
- MEN1 is a heritable condition predisposing individuals to endocrine tumors.
- Understanding the murine homologue is crucial for studying MEN1 pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the murine Men1 gene, including its sequence, structure, expression, and localization.
- To compare the murine Men1 gene with its human counterpart.
- To investigate the spatiotemporal expression pattern of Men1 during mouse development.
Main Methods:
- cDNA sequencing and genomic structure analysis.
- Chromosomal localization using genetic mapping.
- RNA in situ hybridization and Northern blot analysis for expression studies.
Main Results:
- The murine Men1 gene shares high homology (97%) with the human gene and has a similar genomic structure.
- Men1 was mapped to mouse chromosome 19, conserved with human chromosome 11q13.
- Two transcripts were detected due to alternative splicing, with expression observed from embryonic day 7 through adulthood in various tissues, notably the CNS and testes.
Conclusions:
- The murine Men1 gene is highly conserved and functionally significant, as indicated by conserved mutation sites.
- Men1 expression is widespread, suggesting roles beyond endocrine glands, including in the central nervous system and testes.
- This characterization provides a foundation for further research into Men1 function and MEN1-related disorders.