CDNA SEQUENCE AND EXPRESSION OF THE MOUSE ALPHA-1(V) COLLAGEN GENE (COL5A1)

Several overlapping cDNA clones corresponding to the entire coding seq uence of the mouse alpha 1(V) collagen gene (Col5al) were isolated. Th e conceptual amino acid translation indicated a high degree of sequenc e identity (94%) with the human alpha 1(V) chain. All of the important structures previously noted in the human alpha 1(V) chain were also c onserved in the mouse chain. The alpha 1(V) transcripts were easily de tected in mouse embryos as early as 11 days post coitum (d.p.c.). The transcripts were widely distributed in non-cartilaginous and cartilagi nous tissues. Finally, we calculated the ratio of transcripts of alpha 1(V):alpha 2(V):alpha 1(XI) in the calvaria and tongue of 18 d.p.c. e mbryos using the competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain re action (RT-PCR) technique. The results raised the possibility that the re are at least two different kind of types V/XI collagen heterotrimer s in mouse embryonic tissues. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.