The Mouse Prolactin Gene Family Locus

Abstract

In the mouse, there is a large family of paralogous genes closely related to PRL. The objective of this report was to investigate the organization of the mouse PRL gene family locus. PRL family genes reside on chromosome 13 of the mouse genome. The PRL gene family members were localized to a series of overlapping bacterial artificial chromosome clones and arranged based on structural relationships. Additionally, several new members of the PRL gene family were identified. Placental lactogen I (PL-I) was found to be encoded by three closely related (>98% exon sequence identity) contiguous genes (termed: PL-Ialpha, PL-Ibeta, and PL-Igamma). Two previously unidentified mouse orthologs for members of the rat PRL family, PRL-like protein-I (PLP-I) and PLP-K were discovered, as were two new members of the PLP-C subfamily, PLP-Cgamma and PLP-Cdelta, and two new entirely unique members of the PRL family, PLP-N and PLP-O. Amino acid sequences predicted from the latter two genes most closely resembled proliferin-related protein. Each of the nine newly discovered genes is expressed in trophoblast cells of the mouse placenta in a gestationally specific pattern. In summary, elucidation of the mouse PRL gene family locus provides new insights into the expansion of the mouse PRL family and new tools for studying the genetics and biology of its members.

Development and function of trophoblast giant cells in the rodent placenta

“…In particular, the prolactin/placental lactogen (PL)/prolactin-like protein (PLP) gene family is highly evolved in rodents. There are 23 members in mice and all except for the pituitary prolactin gene are exclusively expressed in the placenta and in TGCs in particular (Simmons et al, 2008b, Wiemers et al, 2003. The expression patterns indicate that the 22 placenta-specific genes have diverse functions (Simmons et al, 2008b).…”

A hypomorphic Cbx3 allele causes prenatal growth restriction and perinatal energy homeostasis defects

“…We were prompted to do this because the placenta expresses Prl and prolactin is known to be involved in BAT development (Budge et al 2002), so it was possible that changes in placental Prl expression could cause the changes in BAT. We also extended our investigation to measuring transcript levels of several members of the prolactin gene family (Wiemers et al 2003), including Prl3c1, Prl4a1, Prl7b1, Prl7c1 and Prl8a9. qRT-PCR showed that mRNA transcripts from the Prl gene were expressed at similar levels in E19 Cbx3 hypo/hypo and wild-type placentas (figure 4k).…”

Localization and expression patterns of prolactin-like protein J in mouse testis

“…The prolactin (PRL) family is comprised of multiple proteins that regulate a plethora of biological functions (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6). In rats and mice, the PRL gene family consists of at least 20 well-characterized genes, including placental lactogens, PRL-like proteins (PLPs), PRL-related proteins, proliferin and proliferin-related protein (7).…”

“…In rats and mice, the PRL gene family consists of at least 20 well-characterized genes, including placental lactogens, PRL-like proteins (PLPs), PRL-related proteins, proliferin and proliferin-related protein (7). The PRL family genes, located on chromosome 13 in mice and chromosome 17 in rats, are mainly expressed in the pituitary gland, uterus and placenta (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6). These proteins demonstrate a unique spatio-temporal expression profile and strongly influence various aspects of gestation (1,(7)(8)(9).…”