Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in RPE revealed by a molecular cloning study

Purpose A molecular biological study has been undertaken with the aim of building a picture of the tissue-specific pattern for the expression of proteins in the RPE and thus to further our understanding of specialised functions and development of this tissue. Methods Molecular cloning methods have been used to construct cDNA libraries to both freshly isolated and cultured bovine RPE cells. Clones from these libraries and from a commercial library have been subject to partial sequencing with the view to generating ESTs. Results The analysis of the sequenced clones yielded a profile of genes expressed in the RPE. cDNAs have been classified according to the results of comparison with sequences in the databases, as follows: l-sequences of house-keeping genes; ll-sequences of known function, previously identified, likely to be eye/neural or RPE specifically expressed; Ill-sequences not yet characterized Among the clones investigated are ones that encode the following; cysteine proteinase inhibitor, proteasome subunit HC5, migration inhibitory factor, PE differentiation factor, CSaids binding protein Conclusions The libraries studied appear to be of use for a major characterization of gene products involved in key functional activities of the RPE. Some of the sequences revealed by this study are subject to further investigation and characterization.