Back to Search
Start Over
Mammalian comparative sequence analysis of the Agrp locus.
- Source :
-
PloS one [PLoS One] 2007 Aug 08; Vol. 2 (8), pp. e702. Date of Electronic Publication: 2007 Aug 08. - Publication Year :
- 2007
-
Abstract
- Agouti-related protein encodes a neuropeptide that stimulates food intake. Agrp expression in the brain is restricted to neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and is elevated by states of negative energy balance. The molecular mechanisms underlying Agrp regulation, however, remain poorly defined. Using a combination of transgenic and comparative sequence analysis, we have previously identified a 760 bp conserved region upstream of Agrp which contains STAT binding elements that participate in Agrp transcriptional regulation. In this study, we attempt to improve the specificity for detecting conserved elements in this region by comparing genomic sequences from 10 mammalian species. Our analysis reveals a symmetrical organization of conserved sequences upstream of Agrp, which cluster into two inverted repeat elements. Conserved sequences within these elements suggest a role for homeodomain proteins in the regulation of Agrp and provide additional targets for functional evaluation.
- Subjects :
- Animals
Animals, Genetically Modified
Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus cytology
Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus metabolism
Base Sequence
Conserved Sequence genetics
Evolution, Molecular
Gene Expression Regulation
Humans
Inverted Repeat Sequences
Molecular Sequence Data
STAT3 Transcription Factor genetics
STAT3 Transcription Factor metabolism
Sequence Alignment
Agouti-Related Protein genetics
Mammals genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1932-6203
- Volume :
- 2
- Issue :
- 8
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- PloS one
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 17684549
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0000702