Transgene Analysis Proves mRNA Trans-Splicing at the Complex mod(mdg4) Locus in Drosophila

The Drosophila BTB domain containing gene mod(mdg4) produces a large number of protein isoforms combining a common N-terminal region of 402 aa with different C termini. We have deduced the genomic structure of this complex locus and found that at least seven of the mod(mdg4) isoforms are encoded on...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS 2001-08, Vol.98 (17), p.9724-9729
Main Authors: Dorn, Rainer, Reuter, Gunter, Loewendorf, Andrea
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amino Acid Sequence
Animals
Base Sequence
Biological Sciences
Complementary DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA
DNA, Complementary - genetics
Drosophila
Drosophila melanogaster - genetics
Drosophila Proteins
Exons
Exons - genetics
Genetic loci
Genetics
Insect Proteins - biosynthesis
Insect Proteins - genetics
Insects
Introns - genetics
Messenger RNA
mod(mdg4) gene
Models, Genetic
Molecular Sequence Data
Polymerase chain reaction
Protein isoforms
Protein Isoforms - biosynthesis
Protein Isoforms - genetics
Proteins
Recombinant Fusion Proteins - biosynthesis
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
RNA Splicing
RNA, Messenger - metabolism
Sequence Alignment
Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
Trans splicing
Transcription Factors - biosynthesis
Transcription Factors - genetics
Transgenes
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Summary:The Drosophila BTB domain containing gene mod(mdg4) produces a large number of protein isoforms combining a common N-terminal region of 402 aa with different C termini. We have deduced the genomic structure of this complex locus and found that at least seven of the mod(mdg4) isoforms are encoded on both of its antiparallel DNA strands, suggesting the generation of mature mRNAs by trans-splicing. In transgenic assays, we demonstrate the ability of Drosophila to produce mod(mdg4) mRNAs by trans-splicing of pre-mRNAs generated from transgenes inserted at distant chromosomal positions. Furthermore, evidence is presented for occurring of trans-splicing of mod(mdg4)-specific exons encoded by the parallel DNA strand. The mod(mdg4) locus represents a new type of comlpex gene structure in which genetic complexity is resolved by extensive trans-splicing, giving important implications for genome sequencing projects. Demonstration of naturally occurring trans-splicing in the model organism Drosophila opens new experimental approaches toward an analysis of the underlying mechanisms.
ISSN:0027-8424
1091-6490
DOI:10.1073/pnas.151268698