Effect of SNPs in protein kinase C zeta gene on gene expression in the reporter gene detection system.

Aim: To investigated the effects of the SNPs (rs411021, rs436045, rs427811, rs385039 and rs809912) on gene expression and further identify the susceptibility genes of type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Ten allele fragments (49 bp each) were synthesized according to the 5 SNPs mentioned above. These fragments were cloned into luciferase reporter gene vector and then transfected into HepG2 cells. The activity of the luciferase was assayed. Effects of the SNPs on RNA splicing were analyzed by bioinformatics.

Results: rs427811T allele and rs809912G allele enhanced the activity of the reporter gene expression. None of the 5 SNPs affected RNA splicing.

Conclusion: SNPs in protein kinase Cz (PKCZ) gene probably play a role in the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes by affecting the expression level of the relevant genes.