Identification of a human cDNA sequence which encodes a novel membrane-associated protein containing a zinc metalloprotease motif.

We report the cloning and characterization of a human cDNA predicted to encode a novel hydrophobic protein containing four transmembrane domains and a zinc metalloprotease motif, HEXXH, between the third and fourth transmembrane domains, and have named the molecule metalloprotease-related protein-1 (MPRP-1). The MPRP-1 gene was localized to chromosome 1-p32.3 by radiation hybrid mapping, and Northern blot analysis revealed expression in many organs, with strong expression in the heart, skeletal muscle, kidney and liver.

Differential expression patterns of secreted frizzled related protein genes in synovial cells from patients with arthritis.

Objective: To detect expression of the secreted frizzled related protein (sFRP) gene in synovial cells from patients with arthritis.

Methods: Expression of sFRP-1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 genes was detected in synovial cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. To identify synovial cell populations expressing sFRP-1, 3, and 4 genes, expression was compared in macrophage-rich populations and fibroblast-like cell-rich populations by RT-PCR.