Molecular cloning and expression of the relaxin-like factor from the mouse testis.
A complementary DNA encoding the mouse homolog of the testicular relaxin-like factor was cloned from a subtractive complementary DNA library, comprising clones preferentially expressed in the testes of mutant w/wv mice. The predicted amino acid structure conforms with that for other members of the insulin, insulin-like growth factor, and relaxin hormone family, with A, B, and C (connecting) domains. Northern and in situ transcript hybridization showed that the gene is exclusively expressed at a high level in the Leydig cells of both mutant and wild type testes and is up-regulated at puberty. The level of the specific messenger RNA is such as to imply that this novel member of the insulin family represents a major secretory product of Leydig cells, with a potential to be a part of a novel systemic feedback loop to other organs, including the brain.
Pusch
W
W
Institute for Hormone and Fertility Research, University of Hamburg, Germany.
Balvers
M
M
Ivell
R
R
D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D017931:DNA Primers; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D006728:Hormones / Q000096:biosynthesis; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007328:Insulin / Q000737:chemistry; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013002:Somatomedins / Q000737:chemistry; D013737:Testis / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D017931:DNA Primers; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D006728:Hormones; D007328:Insulin; C084797:Leydig insulin-like protein; D011506:Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013002:Somatomedins