Expression of DHX32 in lymphoid tissues

DHX32 is a novel putative RNA helicase identified based on its downregulation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. DHX32 gene has 12 exons, alternative usage of exons 1 and 2 results in the expression of two transcripts that differ in their 5′ untranslated region (UTR), consistent with the involvement of two different promoters. In addition, exon 5 skipping results in the production of a full-length and alternatively spliced transcripts. We used transcript-specific primers in reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR to show that the thymus and spleen express all of DHX32 transcripts. We also used immunohistochemistry to study the expression of DHX32 protein. The expression pattern of DHX32 protein in normal lymphoid tissues is variable but suggests association with state of lymphocyte activation and/or differentiation. Dysregulated expression of DHX32 is noted in some types of lymphoma compared to their normal counterpart.