Abstract
Estrogen causes dramatic long-term changes in the activity of the uterus. Here we report the molecular cloning of a small (700 base) uterine mRNA species capable of inducing a slow K+ current in Xenopus oocytes. The 130 amino acid protein encoded by this mRNA species has a predicted structure that does not resemble that of previously described voltage-dependent channels from mammalian sources. It is, however, similar to structural motifs found in certain prokaryotic ion channels. The induction of this mRNA by estrogen is rapid; this uterine mRNA species is not detectable in uteri from estrogen-deprived rats, but is substantially induced after 3 hr of estrogen treatment. These results support a critical role for regulation of ion channel expression by estrogen in the uterus.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Base Sequence
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Blotting, Northern
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Cell Membrane Permeability / drug effects
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Cell Membrane Permeability / physiology
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DNA Probes
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Electric Conductivity / drug effects
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Electric Conductivity / physiology
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Estrogens / pharmacology*
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Female
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Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects*
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Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
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Membrane Potentials / drug effects
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Membrane Potentials / physiology
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Potassium / pharmacokinetics
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Potassium Channels / physiology*
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Potassium Channels / ultrastructure
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RNA, Messenger / drug effects*
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RNA, Messenger / genetics
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism
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Rats
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Rats, Inbred Strains
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Uterus / cytology
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Uterus / metabolism
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Uterus / physiology*
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Uterus / ultrastructure
Substances
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DNA Probes
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Estrogens
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Potassium Channels
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RNA, Messenger
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Potassium