1. A novel gene encoding a smooth muscle protein is overexpressed in senescent human fibroblasts.
- Author
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Thweatt R, Lumpkin CK Jr, and Goldstein S
- Subjects
- Amino Acid Sequence, Base Sequence, Blotting, Northern, Cell Line, Cellular Senescence genetics, DNA chemistry, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Molecular Sequence Data, Muscle Proteins chemistry, RNA, Messenger metabolism, Fibroblasts metabolism, Gene Expression, Microfilament Proteins, Muscle Proteins genetics, Muscle, Smooth chemistry
- Abstract
In order to identify genes that may be causally involved in replicative senescence, we have isolated several gene sequences that are overexpressed in senescent human fibroblasts by differential screening of a cDNA library derived from mRNA of a subject with Werner syndrome of premature aging (Murano, S., et al., Molec. Cell. Biol., 3905-3914, 1991). Herein, we describe the sequence and expression of one of these genes, WS3-10, which encodes a novel human cytoplasmic protein of 22.5 kilodaltons. The steady-state mRNA levels of WS3-10 mRNA were higher in WS and late-passage normal cells compared to early-passage normal cells following serum depletion and subsequent repletion. Computer analysis showed similarities between WS3-10 and certain proteins in other species, indicating that WS3-10 represents the human homolog of a smooth muscle protein involved in calcium interactions that may contribute to replicative senescence.
- Published
- 1992
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