Vimentin gene expression during myogenesis: two functional transcripts from a single copy gene

Abstract

We have previously reported that a single vimentin gene is present in the chicken genome (22). In vivo transcription of this gene yields two distinct classes of raRNA's (approxirmatley 2200 and-2500 nts) generated through the possible differential utilization of polyadenylylation sites. In this report we demonstrate that 1) both transcripts are functional in vitro and direct the cell-free synthesis of the viraentin polypeptide, as judged by two dimensional gel analysis; 2) three of the four possible adenylylatlon signals indicated in the sequence of the gene are utilized in vivo as determined by SI analysis; 3) furthermore, these adenylylatlon sites are utilized identically in all tissues of the chicken examined; 4) the adenylylatlon site closest to the body of the message is apparently not used as judged by the SI conditions employed in the assay.

Levels of vimentin raRNA decrease In different tissues of the chicken during the embryonic to adult transition. There is no evidence for a tissue specific or developmentally regulated pattern of expression for either of the two vimentin transcripts. The same pattern of vimentin mRNA expression is seen in all tissues examined, only the level of expression is altered.

Author notes

^*Present address: Department of Biochemistry, Box 614 MCV Station, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA