Multiple alternative splicing and differential expression pattern of the glycogen synthase kinase-3? (GSK3?) gene in goat (Capra hircus).

ABSTRACT: Glycogen synthase kinase-3? (GSK3?) has been identified as a key protein kinase involved in several signaling pathways, such as Wnt, IGF-? and Hedgehog. However, knowledge regarding GSK3? in the goat is limited. In this study, we cloned and characterized the goat GSK3? gene. Six novel GSK3? transcripts were identified in different tissues and designated as GSK3?1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. RT-PCR was used to further determine whether the six GSK3? transcripts existed in different goat tissues. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the catalytic domain (S_TKc domain) is missing from GSK3?2 and GSK3?4. GSK3?3 and GSK3?6 do not contain the negative regulatory sites that are controlled by p38 MAPK. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and western blot analysis revealed that all the GSK3? transcripts were expressed at the highest level in the heart, whereas their expression levels in the liver, spleen, kidney, brain, longissimus dorsi muscle and uterus were different. These studies provide useful information for further research on the functions of GSK3? isoforms.

SUBMITTER: Hou Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4198110 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature