Differential expression of HLA-E, HLA-F, and HLA-G transcripts in human tissue.
The data presented here demonstrate that the HLA-G class I gene is unique among the members of the human class I gene family in that its expression is restricted to extraembryonic tissues during gestation. Furthermore, the pattern of HLA-G expression in these tissues changes as gestation proceeds. During first trimester HLA-G is expressed within the placenta and not within the extravillous membrane. At term, the pattern of the HLA-G expression is reversed, extravillous membrane expresses HLA-G while placenta does not. Another non-HLA-A, -B, -C class I gene, HLA-E, is also expressed by extraembryonic tissues. Unlike HLA-G, HLA-E is expressed by both placenta and extravillous membrane at first trimester and at term. These results raise the intriguing possibility that the HLA-G-encoded molecule has a role in embryonic development and/or the fetal-maternal immune response.
Wei
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Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Orr
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D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000276:immunology; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D009928:Organ Specificity; D010920:Placenta / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D006680:HLA Antigens; D012333:RNA, Messenger