CLONING OF THE RAT EDG-1 IMMEDIATE-EARLY GENE - EXPRESSION PATTERN SUGGESTS DIVERSE FUNCTIONS

The edg-1 immediate-early gene encodes a G-protein-coupled receptor ho molog implicated in endothelial cell differentiation. We report the cl oning of the rat edg-1 gene. Our Northern analyses indicate that edg-1 is much more widely expressed than previously thought. edg-1 mRNA was found in many organs at several stages of development with relatively high levels present in adult brain. edg-1 transcripts were also detec ted in several cell lines. Expression of edg-1 mRNA in the PC12 cell m odel of neuronal differentiation was unaffected by agents that cause P C12 cells to differentiate or proliferate. Therefore, edg-1 may play a cell-type-specific role in differentiation and also participate in ne urotransmission.