Biomedical subjects

P Lohse

Publications and source records attributed to P Lohse.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

Dominant expression of type III hyperlipoproteinemia. Pathophysiological insights derived from the structural and kinetic characteristics of ApoE-1 (Lys146-->Glu).

Type III hyperlipoproteinemia is characterized by delayed chylomicron and VLDL remnant catabolism and is associated with homozygosity for the apoE-2 allele. We have identified a kindred in which heterozygosity for an apoE mutant, apoE-1 (Lys146-->Glu), is dominantly associated with the expression of type III hyperlipoproteinemia. DNA sequence analysis of the mutant apoE gene revealed a single-point mutation that resulted in the substitution of glutamic acid (GAG) for lysine (AAG) at residue 146 in the proposed receptor-binding domain of apoE. The pathophysiological effect of this mutation was investigated in vivo by kinetic studies in the patient and six normal subjects, and in vitro by binding studies of apoE-1 (Lys146-->Glu) to LDL receptors on human fibroblasts and to heparin. The kinetic studies revealed that apoE-1 (Lys146-->Glu) was catabolized significantly slower than apoE-3 in normals (P < 0.005). In the proband, the plasma residence times of both apoEs were substantially longer and the production rate of total apoE was about two times higher than in the control subjects. ApoE-1 (Lys146-->Glu) was defective in interacting with LDL receptors, and its ability to displace LDL in an in vitro assay was reduced to 7.7% compared with apoE-3. The affinity of apoE-1 (Lys146-->Glu) to heparin was also markedly reduced compared with both apoE-2 (Arg158-->Cys) and apoE-3. These abnormal in vitro binding characteristics and the altered in vivo metabolism of apoE-1 (Lys146-->Glu) are proposed to result in the functional dominance of this mutation in the affected kindred.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Increased production of apolipoprotein A-I associated with elevated plasma levels of high-density lipoproteins, apolipoprotein A-I, and lipoprotein A-I in a patient with familial hyperalphalipoproteinemia.

Familial hyperalphalipoproteinemia (FHA) is a heritable trait associated with elevated plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and possibly with longevity and protection against coronary heart disease (CHD). The metabolic basis and molecular etiology of FHA have not been established in most kindreds. The proband of a kindred with FHA and possible longevity was found to have elevated plasma levels of HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, and lipoproteins containing apo A-I without apo A-II (Lp A-I), but normal levels of apo A-II and lipoproteins containing apo A-I with apo A-II (Lp A-I:A-II). The in vivo kinetics of apo A-I and apo A-II were studied in the FHA proband and in control subjects using both exogenous radiotracer (125I-apo A-I and 131I-apo A-II) and endogenous stable isotope (primed constant infusion of 13C6-phenylalanine) labeling techniques. The production rate (PR) of apo A-I was markedly increased in the FHA subject (28.9 mg/kg.d) compared with the control subjects (12.0 +/- 2.1 mg/kg.d), whereas the apo A-II PR was not substantially increased. The primary sequence of the proband's apo A-I gene, including 1.2 kb of the 5'-flanking sequence, was normal. We conclude that a selective upregulation of apo A-I production is one metabolic cause of FHA, and results in high plasma concentrations of HDL cholesterol, apo A-I, and Lp A-I and possibly in protection from atherosclerotic CHD.

Apolipoprotein A-I↗

PubMed1993

Rapid in vivo transport and catabolism of human apolipoprotein A-IV-1 and slower catabolism of the apoA-IV-2 isoprotein.

Apolipoprotein (apo) A-IV is a polymorphic, intestinally derived apolipoprotein that is genetically linked to and similar in structure to apoA-I, the major apolipoprotein in high density lipoproteins (HDL). ApoA-IV plays a potentially important role in lipoprotein metabolism and reverse cholesterol transport, but its in vivo metabolism is poorly understood. In order to gain insight into factors modulating apoA-IV metabolism in humans, the in vivo kinetics of the two major human apoA-IV isoproteins apoA-IV-1 and apoA-IV-2 were investigated in normolipidemic human subjects. 131I-apoA-IV-1 and 125I-apoA-IV-2 were reassociated with autologous plasma and injected into study subjects. Analysis of the kinetic data revealed a rapid mean fractional catabolic rate (FCR) for apoA-IV-1 of 2.42 +/- 0.11 d-1. The mean production, or transport, rate of apoA-IV-1 was 16.3 +/- 1.4 mg/kg per d. Plasma apoA-IV concentrations were highly correlated with apoA-IV production rate (r = 0.84, P < 0.001) and not correlated with apoA-IV fractional catabolic rate (r = 0.25, P = NS). The mean FCR of apoA-IV-2 was 2.21 +/- 0.10 d-1. In the ten subjects in whom 131I-apoA-IV-1 and 125I-apoA-IV-2 were simultaneously injected, the FCR of apoA-IV-2 was significantly slower by paired t test (P = 0.003). The FCR of apoA-IV-2 in an apoA-IV-2/2 homozygote was only 1.49 d-1, substantially slower than in all other subjects. We conclude that: (a) apoA-IV is a rapidly catabolized apolipoprotein in humans, with a fractional catabolic rate more than 10 times greater than that of apoA-I; (b) apoA-IV has a high absolute transport rate similar to that of apoA-I; (c) plasma levels of apoA-IV are primarily determined by apoA-IV production rate in normolipidemic subjects; and (d) the fractional catabolic rate of the common variant apoA-IV-2 is slower than that of the wild-type apoA-IV-1.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

[The genetics of factor XII deficiency].

There are two main forms of factor XII deficiency: patients with immunological cross-reacting material (CRM+) and patients without (CRM-). For 1 case of CRM+ an amino acid substitution (Cys571-->Ser) has been described. We are currently investigating two families of Hageman CRM- trait with the typical hemostaseological pattern: one member with virtually no factor XII activity and antigen, whose sisters and children have about 50% of activity and antigen. To elucidate the genetic defect, primers were synthesized for both exon-intron borders for each of the 14 exons. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for each single exon and for any two exons in a row with the intron in between (double-exon screening). We were able to demonstrate that homozygous patients do not have major rearrangements, deletions or insertions of the factor XII gene. To localize the molecular defect, the complete gene was sequenced by cloning the PCR products into pBS. In 1 patient, a single base deletion in exon 12, leading to a nonsense protein, was detected. The propositus was shown to be heterozygous for this defect by a deletion-specific restriction fragment length polymorphism of the PCR product.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Two different allelic mutations in the lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) gene resulting in classic LCAT deficiency: LCAT (tyr83-->stop) and LCAT (tyr156-->asn).

The molecular defects in the lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) gene have been identified in a 52-year-old patient with classic LCAT deficiency, presenting with corneal clouding and proteinuria. Plasma total cholesterol was normal, triglycerides were elevated, whereas high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (8 mg/dl) and plasma cholesteryl esters (6% of total cholesterol) were markedly reduced. Plasma cholesterol esterification rate (pCER) was zero, alpha-LCAT activity, assayed using an HDL-like proteoliposome substrate was reduced to 1.6% of control, and LCAT mass was 3.7% of normal plasma levels. DNA sequence analysis of the proband's LCAT gene identified a C to A substitution, converting tyr83 to a stop codon, and a T to A transition, replacing tyr156 by asn. Restriction analysis of PCR-amplified DNA from the proband, a control and his four children using the enzymes Acc I and Rsa I established that the patient is a compound heterozygote for both mutations. The two children, heterozygous for the stop codon defect, were phenotypically indistinguishable from the two with the tyr156 defect. In vitro expression of LCAT (tyr156-->asn) in human embryonic kidney-293 cells established the functional significance of this mutation. The secreted translation product had only 6% of control mass and no detectable CER; however, the residual LCAT mass of the in vitro expressed LCAT (tyr156-->asn) demonstrated a specific alpha-LCAT activity of 30% of control, suggesting that this amino acid substitution results in a mutant enzyme that retains some enzymic activity, but may be rapidly catabolized. In summary, we have identified two unique defects in the LCAT gene that lead to the expression of classic LCAT deficiency in this kindred.

Alleles↗

PubMed1992

Heterozygosity for apolipoprotein E-4Philadelphia(Glu13----Lys, Arg145----Cys) is associated with incomplete dominance of type III hyperlipoproteinemia.

Apolipoprotein (apo) E-4Philadelphia is a double mutant of apoE in which residue 13 of the mature protein, glutamic acid (GAG), is replaced by lysine (AAG) and amino acid 145, arginine (CGT), is converted to cysteine (TGT). These mutations result in two restriction fragment length polymorphisms for the enzymes AvaI and BbvI, a smaller apparent molecular weight of apoE-4Philadelphia on sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gels, and severe type III hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP) in a 24-year-old homozygous female (Lohse, P., Mann, W. A., Stein, E. A., and Brewer, H. B., Jr. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 10479-10484). In the current study, we have extended our analysis to include nine additional family members of the Philadelphia kindred spanning four generations. DNA and protein analysis demonstrated that the originally described propositus is a true homozygote for the epsilon-4Philadelphia allele and that six of the nine family members are heterozygous for the mutated allele and the normal epsilon-3 allele or, in one case, the epsilon-4 allele. Heterozygosity for apoE-4Philadelphia leads to the expression of a moderate form of type III HLP without clinical manifestations. These results are consistent with a dominant mode of inheritance of this dyslipoproteinemia. The simultaneous presence of unaffected individuals, heterozygotes, and a homozygote in the Philadelphia kindred makes it possible for the first time to demonstrate that the mutant apoE exhibits an incomplete or partial dominance of type III HLP. Heterozygosity for the normal epsilon-3 allele appears to have an influence on the expression of type III HLP, resulting in a phenotype intermediate between that of the two homozygous states.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Two different allelic mutations in the lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase gene associated with the fish eye syndrome. Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (Thr123----Ile) and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (Thr347----Met).

We have elucidated the genetic defect in a 66-yr-old patient with fish eye syndrome (FES) presenting with severe corneal opacities and hypoalphalipoproteinemia. The patient's plasma concentration of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was reduced at 7.7 mg/dl (35.1-65.3 mg/dl in controls) and the HDL cholesteryl ester content was 31% (60-80% in controls); however, total plasma cholesteryl esters were similar to normal (60% of total cholesterol vs. a mean of 66% in controls). The patient's plasma cholesterol esterification rate was slightly reduced at 51 nmol/ml per h (control subjects: 61-106 nmol/ml per h), whereas lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity, assayed using a HDL-like exogenous proteoliposome substrate, was virtually absent (0.9 nmol/ml per h vs. 25.1-27.9 nmol/ml per h in control subjects). DNA sequence analysis of the proband's LCAT gene revealed two separate C to T transitions resulting in the substitution of Thr123 with Ile and Thr347 with Met. The mutation at codon 347 created a new restriction site for the enzyme Nla III. Analysis of the patient's polymerase chain reaction-amplified DNA containing the region of the Thr347 mutation by digestion with Nla III confirmed that the proband is a compound heterozygote for both defects. The patient's daughter, who is asymptomatic despite a 50% reduction of LCAT activity, is heterozygous for the Thr123----Ile mutation. Our data indicate that the regions adjacent to Thr123 and Thr347 of LCAT may play an important role in HDL cholesterol esterification, suggesting that these regions may contain a portion of the LCAT binding domain(s) for HDL.

Aged↗

PubMed1992

Familial apolipoprotein E deficiency and type III hyperlipoproteinemia due to a premature stop codon in the apolipoprotein E gene.

A kindred with apolipoprotein E deficiency and a truncated lower molecular weight apoE mutant, designated apoE-3Washington, has been identified. Gel electrophoresis demonstrated complete absence of the normal apoE isoproteins and the presence of a small quantity of a lower molecular weight apoE. Plasma apoE levels in the proband were approximately 4% of normal. This marked deficiency of apoE resulted in delayed uptake of chylomicron and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) remnants by the liver, elevated plasma cholesterol levels, mild hypertriglyceridemia, and the development of type III hyperlipoproteinemia. Sequence analysis of the patient's apoE gene revealed a single nucleotide substitution of an A for a G, which converted amino acid 210 of the mature protein, tryptophan (TGG), to a premature chain termination codon (TAG), thus leading to the synthesis of a truncated E apolipoprotein of 209 amino acids with a molecular mass of 23.88 kDa. Northern blot analysis of differentiated monocyte-derived macrophages demonstrated a mutant mRNA indistinguishable in size from normal apoE mRNA. The nucleotide substitution also resulted in the formation of a new restriction site for Mae I. Using this enzyme we were able to establish that the proband is a homozygote and that her two offsprings are heterozygous for the epsilon-3Washington allele. These data demonstrate that the striking deficiency of apoE-3Washington results in a moderate form of type III hyperlipoproteinemia. The clinical presentation also suggests a dispensable role of apoE in the nervous system and in immunoregulation.

Apolipoproteins E↗

PubMed1991

Three genetic variants of human plasma apolipoprotein A-IV. apoA-IV-1(Thr347----Ser), apoA-IV-0(Lys167----Glu,Gln360----His), and apoA-IV-3(Glu165----Lys).

Human apolipoprotein (apo) A-IV is a genetically polymorphic glyco-protein of 376 residues. We have recently reported the molecular basis for the two most common isoproteins, apoA-IV-1 and apoA-IV-2(Gln360----His), and for two rare variants, apoA-IV-0 (4-amino acid insertion) and apoA-IV-3(Glu230----Lys). In this report, we present the genetic basis for three additional isoproteins of apoA-IV. Sequence analysis of the apoA-IV-1 allele revealed a common nucleotide substitution which converts threonine (ACT), residue 347 of the mature protein, into serine (TCT). In one out of the five subjects with the apoA-IV-1/0 phenotype we identified two point mutations: 1) replacing the positively charged lysine (AAG), amino acid 167, with a negatively charged glutamic acid (GAG), and 2) converting the neutral residue 360, glutamine (CAG), to a positively charged histidine (CAT). We have also characterized four additional heterozygotes for the apoA-IV-3 allele. One individual was found to have the previously described substitution of lysine for glutamic acid at amino acid 230. The three other subjects had the identical mutation but at a different position in the polypeptide chain, residue 165. These results indicate that one predominant allele codes for the isoproteins apoA-IV-2 and apoA-IV-0 and that at least two major allelic variants for the isoproteins apoA-IV-1 and apoA-IV-3 are present in the population analyzed.

Alleles↗

PubMed1991

Apolipoprotein E-4Philadelphia (Glu13----Lys,Arg145----Cys). Homozygosity for two rare point mutations in the apolipoprotein E gene combined with severe type III hyperlipoproteinemia.

The molecular defect in a 24-year-old white female with severe type III hyperlipoproteinemia has been elucidated. The patient's apolipoprotein (apo) E migrated in the apoE-4 position on isoelectric focusing gels. On sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis the apoE-4 variant had a smaller apparent molecular weight than apoE-4(Cys112----Arg). Sequence analysis of DNA amplified with the polymerase chain reaction revealed two nucleotide substitutions in the proband's apoE gene. A C to T mutation converted arginine (CGT) at position 145 of the mature protein to cysteine (TGT) thus creating the apoE-2 variant. A second G to A substitution at amino acid 13 led to the exchange of lysine (AAG) for glutamic acid (GAG), thereby adding 2 positive charge units to the protein and producing the apoE-5 variant. Computer analysis of the apoE-4Philadelphia gene revealed that the G to A mutation in exon 3 resulted in the loss of an AvaI restriction enzyme site. The second mutation, a C to T substitution in the fourth exon of the apoE gene, eliminated a cleavage site for the enzyme BbvI. Using these restriction fragment length polymorphisms as well as DNA sequence analysis we have demonstrated that the patient is homozygous for both point mutations in the apoE gene.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Human plasma apolipoproteins A-IV-0 and A-IV-3. Molecular basis for two rare variants of apolipoprotein A-IV-1.

Human apolipoprotein (apo) A-IV is a polymorphic plasma protein controlled by two codominant alleles at a single genetic locus. Thus far, five different isoproteins (apoA-IV-0 to apoA-IV-4) have been described in Caucasians. We have recently identified the nucleotide and amino acid substitutions that are the basis for the most common isoproteins, apoA-IV-1 and apoA-IV-2. In this report, the mutations producing the two rare isoproteins apoA-IV-0 and apoA-IV-3 are described. Analysis of the apoA-IV-0 allele revealed an insertion of 12 nucleotides in a carboxyl-terminal region, which is highly conserved among human, rat, and mouse A-IV apolipoproteins. This in-frame insertion of the 4 amino acids Glu-Gln-Gln-Gln between residues 361 and 362 of the mature protein produces the 1 charge unit more acidic apoA-IV-0 isoprotein (pI 4.92). In the apoA-IV-3 allele we identified a single G to A substitution that converts the glutamic acid (GAG) at position 230 of the mature protein to a lysine (AAG), thus adding 2 positive charge units to the apoA-IV-1 isoprotein (pI 4.97) and forming the more basic apoA-IV-3 isoprotein (pI 5.08). Comparison with the mouse and rat A-IV apolipoproteins revealed that this residue, located at position 4 of the 10th/11th amphiphilic alpha-helical repeat, is also highly conserved in evolution.

Alleles↗

PubMed1990

Genetic polymorphism of human plasma apolipoprotein A-IV is due to nucleotide substitutions in the apolipoprotein A-IV gene.

Genetic polymorphism of human plasma apolipoprotein A-IV has been detected by isoelectric focusing techniques followed by immunoblotting. The molecular basis for this apoA-IV polymorphism has been elucidated. Analysis of the protein coding sequences of the apoA-IV alleles 1 and 2 revealed a single G to T substitution in the apoA-IV-2 allele. The point mutation, occurring in a region highly conserved among the mouse, rat, and human A-IV apolipoproteins, converts the glutamine at position 360 of the mature protein to a histidine. This amino acid substitution adds one positive charge unit to the apoA-IV-1 isoprotein (pI 4.97) thus creating the more basic apoA-IV-2 isoprotein (pI 5.02). Computer analysis of the apoA-IV-2 allele revealed that the single G to T substitution results in the loss of a BbvI and a Fnu4HI restriction enzyme site and in the formation of a new restriction site for the enzyme SfaNI. Protein primary and secondary structure predictions were largely unaffected by this amino acid exchange. These results on the structure of the apoA-IV-1 and apoA-IV-2 alleles suggest that the three other rare isoproteins (apoA-IV-0, apoA-IV-3, and apoA-IV-4) are also due to nucleotide and subsequent amino acid substitutions in the apoA-IV sequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1989

An initiation codon mutation in the apoC-II gene (apoC-II Paris) of a patient with a deficiency of apolipoprotein C-II.

We have identified the genetic defect that leads to a deficiency of apoC-II in the proband from the Paris kindred. Analysis of the apoC-IIParis DNA by Southern blot hybridization revealed no major gene rearrangements, but sequencing of polymerase chain reaction-amplified apoC-IIParis DNA revealed an A to G transition that changed the initiation AUG (methionine) codon to GUG (valine). Potential initiation of translation at the closest inframe methionine codon eliminates the entire signal peptide and the first 8 amino-terminal residues of apoC-II which would prevent apoC-II secretion into plasma. In agreement with this, no apoC-II was detected in the patient's plasma by radioimmunoassay or by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Direct sequencing of amplified patient DNA from 12 different polymerase chain reaction samples demonstrated the presence of the A to G substitution in all, indicating that the proband is a homozygote for the defect. We propose that in the apoC-IIParis gene, a mutation in the initiation methionine codon prevents the normal initiation of apolipoprotein synthesis and leads to a deficiency of apoC-II. This initiation methionine mutation represents a new type of molecular defect that can result in Type I hyperlipoproteinemia.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

The alkali light chains of human smooth and nonmuscle myosins are encoded by a single gene. Tissue-specific expression by alternative splicing pathways.

Human smooth muscle and nonmuscle cells express closely related myosin alkali light chains which are different from the isoforms present in striated muscle tissues. To date no information on the amino acid sequence of these mammalian nonstriated muscle isoforms has been available. We have isolated full-length cDNA clones encoding the nonmuscle (lym4) and smooth muscle (GT6) myosin light chains (MLCs) from cultured human lymphoblasts and heart aorta smooth muscle cells, respectively. Here we present the complete nucleotide sequences for both cDNA clones, together with the deduced amino acid sequences for the peptides. Both cDNAs contain the same open reading frame for 151 amino acids with 5 amino acid differences located in the C terminus. These differences are encoded by a block of 44 nucleotides which is present only in the smooth muscle (SM) mRNA. To identify the human gene coding for the two MLC isoforms, we have isolated and sequenced the nonmuscle (NM)/SM MLC gene, together with several intronless pseudogenes. A single functional gene was found containing 7 exons which are utilized for the coding information of the SM MLC mRNA. In contrast, the NM MLC mRNA does not contain sequences encoded by exon 6 which corresponds to the 44 nucleotides expressed in SM mRNA. This genomic configuration suggests that both the smooth muscle and nonmuscle MLCs in man are generated from the identical primary transcript by alternative splicing pathways taking place in a tissue-dependent manner.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1989

A nonsense mutation in the apolipoprotein C-IIPadova gene in a patient with apolipoprotein C-II deficiency.

The apo C-II gene from a patient with apo C-II deficiency has been sequenced after amplification by the polymerase chain reaction. A substitution of an adenosine for a guanosine at position 3002 in exon 3 of the patient's gene was identified by sequence analysis. This mutation leads to the introduction of a premature termination codon (TAA) at a position corresponding to amino acid 37 of mature apo C-II and to the formation of a new Rsa I restriction enzyme site not present in the normal apo C-II gene. Amplification of DNA from family members by the polymerase chain reaction and digestion with Rsa I established that the patient is a true homozygote for the mutation. Analysis of the patient's plasma by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting detected an apo C-II that exhibited abnormal electrophoretic mobility. We propose that the C to A substitution in the apo C-IIPadova gene is the primary genetic defect that leads to premature termination and the synthesis of a truncated 36 amino acid apo C-II that is unable to activate lipoprotein lipase.

Adenosine↗

PubMed1988

A novel human myosin alkali light chain is developmentally regulated. Expression in fetal cardiac and skeletal muscle and in adult atria.

We have isolated cDNA recombinant phages encoding the embryonic isoform of the myosin alkali light chain (MLC1emb) from a human fetal skeletal muscle library. The cDNA clones were detected by their weak cross-hybridization to a human MLC1F and MLC3F cDNA clone. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the complete cDNA (GT14) revealed an open reading frame for 197 amino acids. The derived protein sequence constitutes the first structural information on this myosin isoform of any organism. Remarkable structural similarities to other alkali MLC polypeptides, particularly to those of the slow-muscle type, are evident. Under conditions of high stringency, the GT14 clone hybridized to an abundant mRNA species in fetal ventricular muscle and adult atrial muscle, whereas in fetal skeletal muscle only a very weakly hybridizing mRNA component was detected. These mRNAs were indistinguishable by size and the thermal stability of their hybrids formed with the DNA insert of clone GT14. We therefore conclude that identical mRNA is expressed in these tissues, presumably transcribed from the same gene. According to its pattern of mRNA expression, the novel MLC isoform described here was designated as "embryonic and atrial myosin light chain" (MLC1emb/A) in reference to its developmental stage-specific and tissue-specific appearance in embryonic skeletal muscle, fetal ventricle and adult atrium.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Alkali myosin light chains in man are encoded by a multigene family that includes the adult skeletal muscle, the embryonic or atrial, and nonsarcomeric isoforms.

A set of cDNA clones coding for alkali myosin light chains (AMLC) was isolated from fetal human skeletal muscle. Nucleotide sequence analysis and RNA expression patterns of individual clones revealed related sequences corresponding to (i) fast fiber type MLC1 and MLC3; (ii) the embryonic MLC that is also expressed in fetal ventricle and adult atrium (MLCemb); and (iii) a nonsarcomeric MLC isoform that is found in all nonmuscle cell types and smooth muscle. The AMLC gene family in man comprises unique copies for MLC1, MLC3 and MLCemb, and multiple copies for the nonsarcomeric MLC genes. The gene coding for MLC1 and MLC3 is located on human chromosome 2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1988

The down-regulation of the chicken cytoplasmic beta actin during myogenic differentiation does not require the gene promoter but involves the 3' end of the gene.

The chicken cytoplasmic beta actin gene is ubiquitously expressed in all cell types. In terminally differentiated muscle cells, however, the concentration of beta actin specific mRNA is down-regulated to scarcely detectable levels. To test for gene regions which are involved in the muscle specific reduction of beta actin specific mRNA, the isolated complete chicken beta actin gene or chimeric gene constructs containing parts of the gene were stably transfected into the myogenic mouse cell line C2C12 and their transcriptional activity was compared in proliferating myoblasts and postmitotic myotubes. A hybrid construct containing the beta actin promoter fused to the bacterial CAT gene showed high and constitutive expression during myocyte differentiation. In contrast, constructs containing the SV40 early promoter linked to the 3' end of the beta actin gene led to a marked reduction of beta actin transcripts in differentiated C2C12 myotubes. The stability of beta actin mRNA was analyzed in actinomycin D treated cells and found to be virtually unchanged in myotubes as compared to myoblasts. These results suggest that a sequence element located in the 3' end or 3' flanking region of the beta actin gene confers the myotube specific down-regulation that is not primarily due to destabilization of mRNA.

Actins↗