Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
9131967 | Genomics | 2005 | 12 Pages |
Abstract
Four different transcripts of the Mecp2 gene can be distinguished by the length of the 3â² untranslated region generated by usage of alternative polyadenylation sites. In situ hybridization analyses encompassing embryonic to 20-week postnatal age showed that transcripts are expressed in the central nervous system, with a progressive restriction during development culminating in localized strong expression in the cerebral cortex, olfactory bulb, hippocampal formation, and internal granule and Purkinje layer of the cerebellum. Real-time RT-PCR measurements of Mecp2 transcript levels showed variations with mouse age in two distinctive patterns that are unique to the central nervous system and the visceral organs, respectively. The 10-kb mRNA is the predominant form expressed in the brain in contrast to the shorter species expressed in the lung and liver. The developmental profile of Mecp2 mRNA highlights a potential tissue-specific function of the 3â²UTR in the regulation of MeCP2 protein synthesis in response to the age-specific requirement of MeCP2 function during the life of the mouse.
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Authors
Gregory J. Pelka, Catherine M. Watson, John Christodoulou, Patrick P.L. Tam,