The 14 bp deletion-insertion polymorphism in the 3' UT region of the HLA-G gene influences HLA-G mRNA stability

Hum Immunol. 2003 Nov;64(11):1005-10. doi: 10.1016/j.humimm.2003.08.347.

Abstract

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G molecules are generated by an alternative splicing of the primary transcript of the gene and display specialized function in regulating the immune response. Although HLA-G gene polymorphism is low, it may influence levels of protein expression and, in some cases, has been associated with pregnancy diseases. The HLA-G gene exhibits 14 alleles generating six proteins with minor variations and a null allele. HLA-G allelic variants may be also characterized by a 14 bp deletion-insertion polymorphism located in the 3' UT region of the HLA-G gene. The presence of the 14 bp insertion is known to generate an additional splice whereby 92 bases are removed from the start of exon 8. To analyze the effect of this deletion on the stability of HLA-G mRNAs, we performed actinomycin D treatments on both JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cell line and M8 melanoma cell line transfected with HLA-G*010102 allele. We observed that HLA-G mRNAs having the 92-base deletion are more stable than the complete mRNA forms, suggesting that this region may be involved in the mechanisms controlling post-transcriptional regulation of HLA-G molecule associated with allelic variants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions*
  • Alleles
  • Alternative Splicing
  • Cell Line
  • Female
  • Genetic Variation
  • HLA Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Pregnancy
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA Stability*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sequence Deletion
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Transfection
  • Trophoblasts / chemistry
  • Trophoblasts / metabolism

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • RNA, Messenger