Spatial expression of a DNA repair gene, N-methylpurine-DNA glycosylase (MPG) during development in mice.
BACKGROUND
DNA repair is a crucial phenomenon that maintains the chromosome integrity of genome which are continuously damaged by endogenous and exogenous alkylating agents. If the damaged DNA is not repaired, it may lead to mutation, chromosomal aberration, aging and cancer. N-methylpurine-DNA glycosylase (MPG), a ubiquitous DNA repair enzyme, removes N-methylpurine and other damaged purines in DNA.


METHODS
MPG mRNA expression was revealed at various stages of mouse development from day 7.5 p.c. (post coitum) embryo to day 400 mature adult by Northern blot hybridization or RT-PCR.


RESULTS
MPG transcripts were abundant in the mouse embryo during pregnancy and in adult testis and ovary. The MPG mRNA level in the testis was low in 1-week-old mice, but the level showed its maximum among the organs tested in 4-week-old young adults. In placenta, the level of MPG mRNA continuously decreased from day 7.5 p.c. to day 17.5 p.c.


CONCLUSIONS
The spatial expression of MPG gene is highly regulated. Transcription of MPG is maximum in rapidly dividing and growing tissues during development. These data suggest that an elevated rate of MPG transcription is required for DNA replication.
Kim
N K
NK
Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Pochon CHA University, Korea. nkkim@netsgo.com
Lee
S H
SH
Sohn
T J
TJ
Roy
R
R
Mitra
S
S
Chung
H M
HM
Ko
J J
JJ
Cha
K Y
KY
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D045647:DNA Glycosylases; D004260:DNA Repair / Q000235:genetics; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D009699:N-Glycosyl Hydrolases / Q000235:genetics*; D010920:Placenta; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D045647:DNA Glycosylases; D009699:N-Glycosyl Hydrolases; C076131:DNA-3-methyladenine glycosidase II