Identification of GFR α-2 isoforms in myenteric plexus of postnatal and adult rat intestine

Abstract

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor α-2 (GFR α-2) is a GPI-linked receptor that preferentially binds neurturin (NTN), a member of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family. Three splice isoforms of GFR α-2 have been identified previously in mouse tissues, but the occurrence of splice isoforms in rats has not been described. The aim of this study was therefore to identify GFR α-2 splice isoforms in rat tissues using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and gene cloning. Three isoforms were identified and sequenced, and named GFR α-2(a), (b) and (c), according to the nomenclature used for the previously identified mouse isoforms. The GFR α-2(a) and (b) isoforms were identical to those previously described in mice. The GFR α-2(c) isoform was novel. Sequences for GFR α-2(b) and (c) were deposited in the GenBank database (accession numbers GI: 16797788 and 16797786, respectively). All three isoforms were expressed in the brain, kidney, and intestine of both postnatal and adult rats.