Major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) class Ib gene duplications, organization and expression patterns in mouse strain C57BL/6
2008

Study of Mhc Class Ib Genes in Mice

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ohtsuka Masato, Inoko Hidetoshi, Kulski Jerzy K, Yoshimura Shinichi

Primary Institution: Tokai University

Hypothesis

To better understand the roles of class Ib molecules, we have characterized their gene duplication, organization and expression patterns within the H2 region of the mouse strain C57BL/6.

Conclusion

Duplicated Mhc class Ib genes located in the H2-Q, -T and -M regions are differentially expressed in a variety of developing and adult tissues.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study identified 21 transcribed Mhc class Ib genes in the H2-Q, -T and -M regions.
  • Some class Ib gene products were expressed tissue-wide, while others were expressed in a tissue-restricted manner.
  • The expression patterns of the genes varied significantly despite their similar nucleotide sequences.

Takeaway

This study looked at special genes in mice that help the immune system and found that some of these genes work in many parts of the body while others only work in specific places.

Methodology

The study involved analyzing the genomic organization of Mhc class Ib genes and performing RT-PCR gene expression profiling using gene-specific primers.

Limitations

The genomic sequence may have misassemblies or missequencing, and the expression patterns of some genes were difficult to analyze due to sequence similarities.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2164-9-178

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication