Expression analysis of the 5 '-upstream region of mouse P/Q-type Ca2+ channel alpha(IA) subunit gene fused to Escherichia coli lacZ reporter gene in the spinal cord using transgenic mice

The P/Q-type Ca2+ channel alpha(1A) subunit is expressed in spinal cord inc luding ventral motor neurons and interneurons and dorsal horn. To identify the transcriptional mechanisms of the mouse alpha(1A) subunit gene in spina l cord, transgenic mice carrying a 0.5, 1.5, 3.0 or 6.3-kb 5'-upstream regi on fused to the Escherichia coil lacZ reporter gene were examined. Transgen ic mice carrying the 3.0-kb region expressed the reporter gene in dorsal ho rn and interneurons of ventral horn, although those with the 0.5-kb, 1.5-kb or 6.3-kb region did not. No transgenic mice expressed the reporter gene i n motor neurons of ventral horn. These results suggest that in spinal cord, the expression mechanisms of the alpha(1A) subunit gene are complex, invol ving both positive and negative cis-regulatory elements, and the 6.3-kb 5'- upstream region alone is not sufficient for the expression. (C) 2000 Elsevi er Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.