A novel gene encoding a smooth muscle protein is overexpressed in senescent human fibroblasts

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications Vol. 187; no. 1; p. 1
• Main Authors: Thweatt, R, Lumpkin, Jr, C K, Goldstein, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 31-08-1992
• Subjects: Amino Acid Sequence; Base Sequence; Blotting, Northern; Cell Line; Cellular Senescence - genetics; DNA - chemistry; Fibroblasts - metabolism; Gene Expression; Humans; Male; Microfilament Proteins; Middle Aged; Molecular Sequence Data; Muscle Proteins - chemistry; Muscle Proteins - genetics; Muscle, Smooth - chemistry; RNA, Messenger - metabolism
• ISSN: 0006-291X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0006-291X(05)81449-4

In order to identify genes that may be causally involved in replicative senescence, we have isolated several gene sequences that are overexpressed in senescent human fibroblasts by differential screening of a cDNA library derived from mRNA of a subject with Werner syndrome of premature aging (Murano, S., et al., Molec. Cell. Biol., 3905-3914, 1991). Herein, we describe the sequence and expression of one of these genes, WS3-10, which encodes a novel human cytoplasmic protein of 22.5 kilodaltons. The steady-state mRNA levels of WS3-10 mRNA were higher in WS and late-passage normal cells compared to early-passage normal cells following serum depletion and subsequent repletion. Computer analysis showed similarities between WS3-10 and certain proteins in other species, indicating that WS3-10 represents the human homolog of a smooth muscle protein involved in calcium interactions that may contribute to replicative senescence.