Transcription of a single mannose receptor gene by macrophage and retinal pigment epithelium.

To determine if the macrophage mannose receptor transcript is present in mouse, rat, pig, and human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), primary cultures and/or freshly dissected retinal pigment epithelium from four different species were used to isolate total RNA. RT-PCR was used to amplify segments of the macrophage mannose receptor from each sample. Amplified products were sequenced and compared with known sequences of the macrophage mannose receptor. Macrophage mannose receptor transcripts were identified in all RPE samples. Comparison between sequences identified in RPE with macrophage sequences from the same species revealed 100% identity. Sequence homology between the different species was 74% or greater. These data are consistent with the transcription of a single mannose receptor gene by these two phagocytic cell types. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel