Identification of a novel isoform of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor that is enriched in retinal pigment epithelium

Shintaro Amae, Nobuo Fuse, Ken Ichi Yasumoto, Shigeru Sato, Ichiro Yajima, Hiroaki Yamamoto, Tetsuo Udono, Yusuf K. Durlu, Makoto Tamai, Kazuhiro Takahashi, Shigeki Shibahara

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

124 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Mutations at the mouse locus encoding microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf) affect the development of many cell types, including retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), melanocytes, mast cells, and osteoclasts. Here we have identified a novel Mitf isoform, Mitf-a, and its human homologue MITF-A by cDNA cloning. MITF-A consists of 520 amino acid residues and differs in the amino-terminus from authentic melanocyte-type MITF (MITF-M). MITF-A mRNA is widely expressed and represents a predominant MITF isoform in cultured RPE cells, whereas MITF-M mRNA is exclusively expressed in melanocytes and melanoma cells. In situ hybridization analysis suggested that Mitf-a mRNA is enriched in the prospective RPE of mouse embryo. Moreover, transient cotransfection assays suggested that MITF-A activated transcription of the tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein 1 genes. MITF-A/Mitf-a therefore may play an important role in melanogenesis in RPE.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)710-715
Number of pages6
JournalBiochemical and biophysical research communications
Volume247
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1998 Jun 29

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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