Distinct dystrophin mRNA species are expressed in embryonic and adult mouse skeletal muscle

• Published in: FEBS letters Vol. 242; no. 1; pp. 47 - 52
• Main Authors: Dickson, G., Pizzey, J.A., Elsom, V.E., Love, D., Davies, K.E., Walsh, F.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier B.V 19.12.1988
• Subjects: Animals; Antigens, Surface - genetics; Blotting, Northern; Cell Adhesion Molecules; DNA Probes; Duchenne muscular dystrophy; Dystrophin; Fetus - metabolism; Gene Expression Regulation; Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases - genetics; Humans; Isoform (Skeletal muscle); Mice; mRNA; Muscle Denervation; Muscle Development; Muscle Proteins - genetics; Muscles - embryology; Muscles - metabolism; Muscular Dystrophy, Animal - genetics; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; RNA, Messenger - genetics; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Transcription, Genetic; Isoform (Skeletal muscle); mRNA; Dystrophin; Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• ISSN: 0014-5793; 1873-3468
• DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(88)80982-7

We have examined dystrophin mRNA in embryonic, newborn and adult mouse skeletal muscle. A discrete nerve-independent increase in mRNA size was observed between embryonic and adult stages, indicating that a developmentally regulated mRNA isoform switch occurs in the expression of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene in skeletal muscle. These distinct mRNAs are most likely generated via selection of alternative transcriptional start sites or RNA processing pathways. In addition, denervation of adult muscle was without effect on the expression pattern.