軟骨に発現するコラーゲン遺伝子の選択的スプライシング(<特集>コラーゲン研究)

概要

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Alternative splicing of pre-mRNAs is a common mechanism, whereby cells produce multiple proteins from a single pre-mRNA. It is often regulated in a cell- or stage-specific way. Within the collagen gene family, alternative splicing is observed to be common feature. Type II procollagen is produced in two forms as the result of alternative splicing. One form, type IIA, includes and the other form, type IIB, excludes a cysteine-rich globular domain encoded by exon 2 in the N-propeptide. Type IIB procollagen is expressed in well-differentiated chondrocyte, and type IIA in prechondrogenic region and non-chondrogenic tissues transiently. Type IIA propeptide can bind TGF β1 and BMP 2, suggesting that it functions in bone morphogenetic process. The N-terminal domain of type XI collagen is also modulated by alternative splicing. The pattern of its splicing is more complicated than that of type II collagen gene. The expression of exon 6 A and 6 B is mutually exclusive with cell-specific manner. The putative purine-rich and AC-rich enhancer elements in exon 6 B may be required for the cartilage-specific splicing.
2002-06-25