Expression of the Q5k gene was examined by
northern blot analysis and polymerase chain reaction
(PCR) in the AKR mouse and various cell lines, each of
the H-2k haplotype. Our results show that Q5k mRNA is
present during the whole postimplantational development
of the AKR embryo/fetus (gestation day 6 to 15). In the
juvenile mouse (week 2 to 4) transcription of the Q5k
gene persisted in all organs examined. In contrast, in the
adult animal expression of the Q5k gene was limited to
the thymus and uterus of the pregnant mouse. Upon malignant
transformation, the amount of Q5k-specific mRNA
increased dramatically in thymus and could also be
observed in the spleen of thymoma bearing animals. Expression
of the Q5k gene was also detectable in several
transformed mouse cell lines. Mitogen stimulation or
treatment with cytokines induced Q5k expression in
primary spleen cell cultures. A possible explanation for
the tissue-restricted expression in the adult AKR mouse
is discussed