Presence of exon I.4 mRNA from CYP19 gene in human granulosa cells

Estrogens are synthesized from C-19 steroids by a unique form of cytochrome P450 aromatase. Expression of the human CYP19 gene involves tissue specifi c use of alternative promoters. In the present study, an RT-PCR procedure w as used to amplify and quantify various transcripts expressed in human gran ulosa cells. Cells were aspirated together with follicular fluid from Perio vulatory ovarian follicles present in ovaries of 14 patients undergoing a t reatment for in vitro fertilization. Sequencing of PCR products demonstrate d the presence of exon I.4-specific transcripts in addition to exon P.II ex on I.3 and I.3-truncate transcripts. Quantitative results confirmed that ex on P.II specific transcripts were largely predominant compared to other exo n-specific transcripts, and that exon I.4-specific transcripts were the lea st abundant. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.