Functional Diversity of Human Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factor TCF4 Isoforms Generated by Alternative 5′ Exon Usage and Splicing
2011

Functional Diversity of Human TCF4 Isoforms

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sepp Mari Kannike, Kaja Eesmaa, Ave Urb, Mari Timmusk, Tõnis Kashanchi

Primary Institution: Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia

Hypothesis

The study investigates the structure, expression, and functional diversity of human TCF4 isoforms generated by alternative splicing.

Conclusion

The study describes the variability of TCF4 expression in human tissues and provides evidence for the functional diversity of TCF4 protein isoforms.

Supporting Evidence

  • TCF4 mRNA expression is particularly high in the brain.
  • Numerous TCF4 protein isoforms with different N-termini can be generated from alternative splicing.
  • Different TCF4 isoforms have varied abilities to activate transcription.
  • TCF4 isoforms can be differentially localized within the cell.

Takeaway

This study looks at a protein called TCF4 that can change shape in different ways, which helps it do different jobs in our body, especially in the brain.

Methodology

The study used human tissue samples to analyze TCF4 gene structure and expression at mRNA and protein levels, including overexpression in cultured human cells.

Limitations

The study does not conclusively determine which specific TCF4 isoforms are expressed in human tissues due to overlapping molecular weights.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.00011

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022138

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