Abstract
Transthyretin cDNA was isolated from a rat liver cDNA library. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence revealed a signal peptide-like sequence preceding a section coding for a full length subunit and an untranslated sequence at the 3' end. The deduced primary structure of rat transthyretin was compared with that of human transthyretin. It was highly conserved at the binding sites for thyroxine and the interfaces and core regions of the subunits. The cDNA for transthyretin was used to measure mRNA levels by hybridization. During acute inflammation, the amount of transthyretin mRNA in liver decreased (reaching a minimum of 25% of the normal level 36 h after inducing inflammation), suggesting regulation of transthyretin synthesis at the mRNA level. Transthyretin mRNA was found only in the liver and in the choroid plexus, but not in other parts of the central nervous system nor in the adrenal glands, kidney, spleen, testes, heart, lung, intestine, and ovaries. One gram of choroid plexus contained about 25 times larger amounts of transthyretin mRNA than 1 g of liver. By synthesizing an important hormone carrier protein, the choroid plexus may be an important link in the chemical communication between the central nervous system and the bloodstream.
Highlights
- Transthyretin cDNA was isolated from a rat liver cDNA library
The amount of transthyretin mRNA in liver decreased,suggesting sa regulation of transthyretinsynthesisatthe mRNA
The results iFnig. 1show Distribution of Transthydin mRNA in Hod? Organsthat the level of transthyretin mRNA in the liver decreased Cytoplasmic extracts were prepared from various organs and to a minimum of 25% of the level in the liver of healthy rats, the mRNA for transthyretin was measured in these extracts between 1 a n d 1.5days after inducing an acute inflammation. as decribed under “Experimental Procedures.”
Summary
(7, 8) and in the rat[9,10,11,12]. Transthyretin is involved in the transport of retinol, by binding retinol binding protein, the specific retinol carrier in thbelood [13,14,15]. Transthyretin is synthesized in theliver and its rate of synthesis decreases in response to acute inflammation [16]
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