Extensive splice variation and localization of the EHK-1 receptor tyrosine kinase in adult human brain and glial tumors.
EHK-1 is a neuronal ELK-related receptor tyrosine kinase which interacts with multiple, membrane-anchored ligands. Recent experiments have suggested a role for some of these ligands in the formation of neuronal pathways. Here, we report the isolation of human EHK-1 cDNAs and the localization of the human EHK-1 gene to chromosome 4q12. Six EHK-1 mRNA splice variants encoding cell-surface receptors with catalytic domains were identified in adult human brain where a 120-kDa EHK-1 protein predominates. Immunohistochemistry for EHK-1 reveals a dendritic staining pattern in cortical neurons and cerebellar Purkinje cells and a marked accumulation of EHK-1 in the somas of pyramidal neurons within the cortex and hippocampus. Interestingly, we have identified lineage aberrant expression of EHK-1 in a number of human gliomas. In addition to functions during development, EHK-1 may be involved in the maintenance of the adult nervous system and contribute to glioma development.
Miescher
G C
GC
Department of Clinical Neurology, University Hospitals, Basle, Switzerland. miescher1@ubaclu.unibas.ch
Taylor
V
V
Olivieri
G
G
Mindermann
T
T
Schröck
E
E
Steck
A J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000235:genetics*; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D017124:Conserved Sequence; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D012326:RNA Splicing; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000235:genetics*; D036123:Receptor, EphA5
D018076:DNA, Complementary; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C484173:EPHA5 protein, human; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D036123:Receptor, EphA5