RNASE PROTECTION ASSAY FOR BMP TYPE-I RECEPTORS

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) signal through a receptor complex c omprising two distinct transmembrane serine/threonine kinases referred to as type I and type II receptors. The identification of at least th ree classes of type I receptors (ALK-2, -3, -6) and three classes of t ype II receptors for the BMPs raises the possibility of multiple recep tor complexes which may have distinct functions. An RNAse protection a ssay has been established which allows simultaneous analyses of the mR NAs for ALK-2, -3, and -6. As a test system, cultures of pluripotent C 3H10T1/2 cell line were incubated in the presence or absence of BMP-7, and the relative levels of the receptor mRNAs were determined. Change s in receptor mRNA levels for ALK-2 and -3 were detected during the pr oliferation phase and adipogenic differentiation of the pluripotent C3 H10T1/2 cell line.