A critical analysis of Atoh7 (Math5) mRNA splicing in the developing mouse retina.

ABSTRACT: The Math5 (Atoh7) gene is transiently expressed during retinogenesis by progenitors exiting mitosis, and is essential for ganglion cell (RGC) development. Math5 contains a single exon, and its 1.7 kb mRNA encodes a 149-aa polypeptide. Mouse Math5 mutants have essentially no RGCs or optic nerves. Given the importance of this gene in retinal development, we thoroughly investigated the possibility of Math5 mRNA splicing by Northern blot, 3'RACE, RNase protection assays, and RT-PCR, using RNAs extracted from embryonic eyes and adult cerebellum, or transcribed in vitro from cDNA clones. Because Math5 mRNA contains an elevated G+C content, we used graded concentrations of betaine, an isostabilizing agent that disrupts secondary structure. Although approximately 10% of cerebellar Math5 RNAs are s

SUBMITTER: Prasov L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2927423 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature