title: Genomic structure, chromosomal localization, and expression pattern of the human LIM-homeobox3 (LHX 3) gene.
abstract: Lhx3 is a LIM-homeobox protein essential for pituitary development in mice. The human homologue gene spans 7.2 kb and contains 7 exons, including two alternatively spliced first exons. This structure encodes two distinct protein isoforms, LHX3a and LHX3b, that differ exclusively in their amino-terminus. The LHX3 gene was localized at 9q34.2-34.3. The predicted protein sequence is highly homologous to other known Lhx3 proteins, the highest degree of homology being in the conserved domains. The highest expression of LHX3 was found in pituitary gland, spinal cord, and lung. Among different pituitary cell types, corticotrophs appear to express preferentially LHX3b isoform, suggesting a distinct role of the b-form in the development of this cell lineage. Although the human LHX3 gene structure would provide a ground for clarification of the molecular basis of complete anterior pituitary deficiency, we were unable to identify any mutation in the LHX3 gene of 46 such patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8032, Switzerland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schmitt
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Biason-Lauber
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Betts
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Schoenle
mesh_terms: D017398:Alternative Splicing; D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D002899:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000378:metabolism; D005091:Exons; D020224:Expressed Sequence Tags; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007018:Hypopituitarism / Q000235:genetics; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D060850:LIM-Homeodomain Proteins; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008957:Models, Genetic; D009154:Mutation; D020161:Physical Chromosome Mapping; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000378:metabolism; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D051381:Rats; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000378:metabolism; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014157:Transcription Factors
chemical_list: D018076:DNA, Complementary; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D060850:LIM-Homeodomain Proteins; C094898:Lhx3 protein; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D014157:Transcription Factors