Molecular basis of the soluble and membrane-bound forms of the murine leukemia inhibitory factor receptor α-chain: Expression in normal, gestating, and leukemia inhibitory factor nullizygous mice

Abstract

The murine leukemia inhibitory factor receptor α-chain (mLIFR) exists in a membrane-bound and a soluble form. The two major classes of mRNA transcript correspond to either the soluble or membrane-bound form of the mLIFR. In this study we have identified a complex and heterogeneous pattern of expression of mRNA transcripts for this receptor in normal mouse tissues and cell lines. In order to understand the molecular basis of these transcripts, genomic clones encompassing the region of divergence from the soluble to the membrane-bound form of the receptor were isolated. cDNAs encoding the membrane-bound form of the mT.TFR were generated by an alternative splicing event where an exon that is sp..