EXPRESSION OF THE MENKES GENE HOMOLOG IN MOUSE-TISSUES LACK OF EFFECTOF COPPER ON THE MESSENGER-RNA LEVELS

The expression of the homologue of the Menkes disease gene (Mnk) in mi ce was studied using RNA blots. The highest level of expression of the 8.0 kb mRNA was found in placenta, substantial expression was noted i n lung, heart, brain, testis and kidney and gut mucosa, but very low l evels were found in spleen and adult liver. In fetal liver, the amount of Mnk mRNA is similar to that found in kidney, however, it declines soon after birth. Results with copper-loaded normal mice and mutant mi ce with genetic defects in copper transport suggested that Mnk mRNA le vels are not regulated by tissue copper concentrations.