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The baboon expresses the calbindin‐D 9k gene in intestine but not in uterus and placenta: Implication for conservation of the gene in primates
Author(s) -
Jeung EuiBae,
Fan Nancy C.,
Leung Peter C. K.,
Herr John C.,
Freemerman Alex,
Krisinger John
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.1080400403
Subject(s) - baboon , biology , gene , gene expression , microbiology and biotechnology , placenta , intron , genetics , endocrinology , fetus , pregnancy
Expression of the Calbindin‐D 9k (CaBP‐9k) gene was studied in the baboon. Northern blot analysis using a human CaBP‐9k cDNA probe detected expression in duodenum but not in uterus and placenta. Reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) confirmed this expression pattern and indicated a high degree of identity between the baboon and human CaBP‐9k mRNAs. PCR was employed to amplify the intron A region of the baboon CaBP‐9k gene using human‐derived primers and baboon genomic DNA. The baboon intron was closely related to the human CaBP‐9k intron A, including the presence a complete Alu‐repetitive element. Most significantly, a 13 nucleotide long element at the 5′ end of the baboon intron matched exactly the human sequence. This element represents a nonfunctional variation of an estrogen response element found at the same location in the rat CaBP‐9k gene. The rat element functions as an enhancer and mediates uterine and possibly placental CaBP‐9k expression in the rat and probably most other mammals. The finding of a modified ERE in baboon as in human suggests that during primate evolution the expression of this mammalian‐specific gene has been eliminated in uterus and placenta. This scenario raises the question of the role of CaBP‐9k in these reproductive tissues. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.