Conserved usage of alternative 5' untranslated exons of the GATA4 gene.

ABSTRACT:

Background

GATA4 is an essential transcription factor required for the development and function of multiple organs. Despite this important role, our knowledge of how the GATA4 gene is regulated remains limited. To better understand this regulation, we characterized the 5' region of the mouse, rat, and human GATA4 genes.

Methodology/principal findings

Using 5' RACE, we identified novel transcription start sites in all three species. GATA4 is expressed as multiple transcripts with varying 5' ends encoded by alternative untranslated first exons. Two of these non-coding first exons are conserved between species: exon 1a located 3.5 kb upstream of the GATA4 ATG site in exon 2, and a second first exon (exon 1b) located 28 kb further upstream. Expression of both mRNA variants was f

SUBMITTER: Mazaud Guittot S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2795200 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature