Compensatory increase in alpha 1-globin gene expression in individuals heterozygous for the alpha-thalassemia-2 deletion.
J Clin Invest
; 76(3): 1057-64, 1985 Sep.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-4044827
ABSTRACT
alpha-Globin is encoded by the two adjacent genes, alpha 1 and alpha 2. Although it is clearly established that both alpha-globin genes are expressed, their relative contributions to alpha-globin messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein synthesis are not fully defined. Furthermore, changes that may occur in alpha-globin gene activity secondarily to the loss of function of one or more of these genes (alpha-thalassemia [Thal]) have not been directly investigated. This study further defines the expression of the two human alpha-globin genes by determining the relative levels of alpha 1 and alpha 2 mRNA in the reticulocytes of normal individuals and in individuals heterozygous for the common 3.7-kilobase deletion within the alpha-globin gene cluster that removes the alpha 2-globin gene (the rightward type alpha-Thal-2 deletion). To quantitate accurately the ratio of the two alpha-globin mRNAs, we have modified a previously reported S1 nuclease assay to include the use of 32P end-labeled probes isolated from alpha 1- and alpha 2-globin complementary DNA recombinant plasmids. In individuals with a normal alpha-globin genotype (as determined by Southern blot analysis [alpha alpha/alpha alpha]), alpha 2-globin mRNA is present at an average 2.8-fold excess to alpha 1. In individuals heterozygous for the rightward type alpha-Thal-2 deletion (-alpha/alpha alpha) the alpha 2/alpha 1 mRNA ratio is 11. These results suggest that the loss of the alpha 2-globin gene in the alpha-Thal-2 deletion is associated with a 1.8-fold compensatory increase alpha 1-globin gene expression.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Talassemia
/
Globinas
/
Regulação da Expressão Gênica
/
Deleção Cromossômica
/
Genes
Limite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Clin Invest
Ano de publicação:
1985
Tipo de documento:
Article