Tissue-specific expression of two mRNA species transcribed from a single vimentin gene.
We have isolated chicken cDNA and genomic clones for the intermediate filament subunit vimentin and show that the gene for this protein, which exists in a single copy in the haploid chicken genome, is transcribed into two mature mRNA species with approximate lengths of 2.0 and 2.3 kb. We have found cell-specific regulation in the expression of these two mRNAs; whereas both mRNA species are present in muscle cells, fibroblasts, spinal cord and lens, erythroid cells from 10- and 15-day-old chicken embryos express predominantly the lower molecular weight RNA. The difference between these two mRNAs is due to different lengths of their 3' untranslated regions, suggesting that the cell-specific regulation of their expression occurs either by specific termination of transcription or by differential post-transcriptional processing of the 3' untranslated region. Additionally, a remarkable induction (40- to 50-fold) in the abundance of the vimentin mRNA is observed in erythroid cells as chicken development proceeds from 4 to 15 days, which suggests that the level of expression of vimentin during erythroid development is regulated at the transcriptional level.
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002645:Chickens; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes; D004274:DNA, Recombinant / Q000378:metabolism; D005796:Genes; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014746:Vimentin
D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014746:Vimentin; D004247:DNA; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes