Cloning, expression, and chromosomal localization of the mouse gene <i>(Scgb3a1</i>, alias <i>Ugrp2)</i> that encodes a member of the novel uteroglobin-related protein gene family

Abstract

The mouse UGRP gene family consists of two genes, Ugrp1 and Ugrp2. In this study, the genomic structure and expression patterns of Ugrp2 and its alternative spliced form were characterized. The authentic Ugrp2 gene has three exons and two introns, similar to the Ugrp1 gene, which produces a secreted protein. The Ugrp2 variant uses a sequence located between authentic exons 1 and 2, resulting in a cytoplasmic form due to a termination codon within the inserted sequence. Both mouse and human UGRP2 mRNAs are expressed in lung. In the case of human, the mRNA is expressed at the highest level in trachea, followed by salivary gland at a level similar to lung. Weak expression was also found in fetal lung and mammary gland. Ugrp2 was mapped by fluorescence in situ hybridization to mouse chromosome 11A5–B1 and human chromosome 5q35. These regions are known to be homologous. Interspecific mouse backcross mapping was also performed to obtain further detailed localization of mouse Ugrp1 and Ugrp2.

Interleukin-10 Induces Uteroglobin-related Protein (UGRP) 1 Gene Expression in Lung Epithelial Cells through Homeodomain Transcription Factor T/EBP/NKX2.1

“…UGRP1, officially named Secretoglobin gene family 3A2 (13), is a novel gene encoding a homodimeric secretory protein of ϳ10 kDa that is highly expressed in epithelial cells of the trachea, bronchus, and bronchioles (1). Based on our previous results, there is considerable evidence to suggest that UGRP1 may function in the regulation of the local immune response in the lung.…”

“…Based on our previous results, there is considerable evidence to suggest that UGRP1 may function in the regulation of the local immune response in the lung. First, the human UGRP1 gene is located on chromosome 5q31-q32, a region where one of the asthma susceptibility genes was assigned and genes coding for several Th2-type cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 are located (13). Second, the UGRP1 amino acid sequence exhibits similarity to the UG/Clara cell secretory protein, which is known to function as an anti-inflammatory agent via inhibition of phospholipase A 2 (1).…”

Induction of Uteroglobin-Related Protein 2 (Ugrp2) Gene Expression by the Th2 Cytokines IL-4 and IL-13

“…In contrast, Ugrp2 expression in mice is predominantly found in trachea and lung (3,5), with low levels of expression reported in other tissues, such as heart, stomach, small intestine, and mammary gland (5). Ugrp2 mRNA is detected on embryonic day 17.5 during mouse development in the tracheal epithelium and later also in the submucosal glands of the proximal trachea and bronchi (4,5).…”

“…In humans, the highest level of UGRP2 expression is detected in trachea, followed by salivary gland, lung, and mammary gland (3). In contrast, Ugrp2 expression in mice is predominantly found in trachea and lung (3,5), with low levels of expression reported in other tissues, such as heart, stomach, small intestine, and mammary gland (5).…”

“…Mouse UGRP2 shows 33% amino acid sequence identity to mouse UGRP1 (2). Based on amino acid sequences, both UGRP1 and UGRP2 belong to a gene superfamily of the uteroglobin/Clara cell secretory proteins (UG/CCSP), officially termed secretoglobins (3)(4)(5).…”