Gene organization and chromosome location of the neural-specific RNA binding protein Elavl4

In the HuD gene locus, E2 and E3, E4 and E5, and E8 encode the three RRMs, whereas the alternatively spliced E6 and E7 encode the linker region.

“In the HuD gene locus, E2 and E3, E4 and E5, and E8 encode the three RRMs, respectively, whereas the alternatively spliced E6 and E7 encode the linker region (Inman et al. 1998).”

The HuD gene is well conserved among higher vertebrates and is located on chromosome 1 in humans and chromosome 4 in mice.

“Overall, the HuD gene is well conserved among higher vertebrates and is located on chromosome 1 in humans and chromosome 4 in mice (Fig. 1A).”

The human and mouse HuD gene spans approximately 146 kb of DNA and is divided into seven coding exons (E2 to E8) that encompass approximately 44 kb of DNA.

“The human and mouse HuD gene spans ∼146 kb of DNA and is divided into seven coding exons (E2 to E8) that encompass ∼44 kb of DNA (Sekido et al. 1994; Inman et al. 1998).”

HuD pre-mRNA is subjected to alternative splicing of exons 6 and 7, resulting in three additional transcript isoforms (HuD, HuDmex, and HuDpro), two of which are predominantly expressed in the postnatal mouse brain (HuD and HuDpro).

“In addition to the 5′ end, HuD pre-mRNA is subjected to alternative splicing of exons (E) 6 and 7, resulting in three additional transcript isoforms (HuD, HuDmex, and HuDpro) (Fig. 1B,C), two of which are predominantly expressed in the postnatal mouse brain (HuD and HuDpro) (Inman et al. 1998).”

Previous studies, along with data from our laboratory, revealed eight HuD E1 variants, indicating the existence of at least eight different 5′ UTRs, with most containing an in-frame translation start site.

“As mentioned above, previous studies, along with data from our laboratory, revealed eight HuD E1 variants, indicating the existence of at least eight different 5′ UTRs (Fig. 1A,B), with most containing an in-frame translation start site (Abe et al. 1994; Inman et al. 1998; Bronicki et al. 2012).”

A previous study suggested that at least three HuD E1 variants exist, pointing to the potential presence of multiple promoters.

“As discussed above, a previous study suggested that at least three HuD E1 variants exist, pointing to the potential presence of multiple promoters (Inman et al. 1998).”