Tissue-specific expression and subcellular localization of ALADIN, the absence of which causes human triple A syndrome

Exp Mol Med. 2009 Jun 30;41(6):381-6. doi: 10.3858/emm.2009.41.6.043.

Abstract

Triple A syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the achalasia-addisonianism-alacrima syndrome (AAAS) gene which encodes a tryptophan aspartic acid (WD) repeat-containing protein named alacrima-achalasia-adrenal insufficiency neurologic disorder (ALADIN). Northern blot analysis shows that the 2.1 kb AAAS mRNA is expressed in various tissues with stronger expression in testis and pancreas. We show that human ALADIN is a protein with an apparent molecular weight of 60 kDa, and expressed in the adrenal gland, pituitary gland and pancreas. Furthermore, biochemical analysis using anti-ALADIN antibody supports the previous finding of the localization of ALADIN in the nuclear membrane. The mutations S544G and S544X show that alteration of S544 residue affects correct targeting of ALADIN to the nuclear membrane.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Insufficiency / genetics*
  • Antibodies / immunology
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • Esophageal Achalasia / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / genetics*
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / analysis*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / immunology
  • Nuclear Pore / chemistry
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins / analysis*
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins / genetics*
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins / immunology
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Syndrome
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • AAAS protein, human
  • Antibodies
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger