Regulation of MHC class I gene expression is at transcriptional and post-transcriptional level in bovine placenta.
A previous study of MHC in cattle trophoblast demonstrated low or absent class I expression, using a broad specificity monoclonal antibody. The study reported here uses MHC-defined cattle and embryo transfer to ensure MHC incompatibility between dam and calf. Transcription and expression of defined class I genes was examined in placentomes taken at term, using monoclonal antibodies to bovine class I, a gene-specific DNA-based typing system, and in situ hybridisation. Results demonstrate intermediate levels of fetal MHC class I mRNA in trophoblast, but no detectable fetal class I protein. This suggests a level of transcriptional down-regulation, and a post-transcriptional block which might involve other gene products, such as beta2-microglobulin (beta 2m), or proteins involved in generation/transport of peptides.
Ellis
S A
SA
Institute of Animal Health, Compton, Nr Newbury, UK.
Sargent
I L
IL
Charleston
B
B
Bainbridge
D R
DR
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D010920:Placenta / Q000276:immunology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D014158:Transcription, Genetic