Expression of the α7 nAChR subunit duplicate form (CHRFAM7A) is down-regulated in the monocytic cell line THP-1 on treatment with LPS

J Neuroimmunol. 2011 Jan;230(1-2):74-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2010.09.008.

Abstract

We investigated the expression of the partially duplicated α7 nAChR subunit gene in three monocytic cell lines: THP-1, U937 and Mono-Mac-6. Qualitative PCR revealed the presence of the classic α7 gene in these lineages, but real-time PCR showed the exclusive expression of α7dup. Both mRNA and protein levels were reduced in THP-1 upon LPS challenge, and it was found that transcriptional down-regulation was mediated by a direct mechanism dependent on NF-κB as its specific inhibitor parthenolide prevented the reduction in the α7dup transcript. Such precise regulation suggests that α7dup may specifically participate in the inflammatory response of the innate immune system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Down-Regulation
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology*
  • Genes, Duplicate
  • Humans
  • Immunoblotting
  • Inflammation / chemically induced
  • Inflammation / genetics*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / adverse effects
  • Lipopolysaccharides / immunology
  • Monocytes / immunology*
  • Monocytes / metabolism
  • Protein Isoforms / biosynthesis
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / biosynthesis*
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / genetics
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor

Substances

  • Chrna7 protein, human
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Receptors, Nicotinic
  • alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor