Alternative RNA Splicing Generates a Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored Form of Ceruloplasmin in Mammalian Brain

摘要: Ceruloplasmin is a copper-containing ferroxidase that essential for normal iron homeostasis. Whereas ceruloplasmin in plasma produced and secreted by hepatocytes, the brain glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored form of expressed on surface astrocytes. By using cDNA cloning approach, we have now determined GPI-anchored generated alternative RNA splicing. The splicing occurs downstream exon 18 replaces C-terminal 5 amino acids with an 30 signal GPI anchor addition. RNase protection analysis demonstrates major brain, whereas predominates liver. Individuals aceruloplasminemia, hereditary deficiency ceruloplasmin, severe deposition number organs, including where it results neurodegeneration. Therefore, this novel likely to play important role metabolism central nervous system.