METHOD OF DETECTING TISSUE-SPECIFIC FK506 BINDING PROTEIN MESSENGER RNAS AND USES THEREOF

摘要

A novel mRNA encoding FK506 binding protein (FKBP12) has been identified in human T lymphocytes. The cDNA corresponding to this mRNA has been sequenced and characterized. The mRNA has been shown to be identical in sequence in two regions to two previously known FKBP-encoding sequences and clearly distinct from the two known sequences in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). The tissue-distribution of this mRNA also differs from the tissue distribution of the two known mRNAs. DNA probes derived from this transcript encoding a distinct 3'UTR provide a means to detect FKBP12 mRNA in a tissue-specific manner and to use tissue-specific FKBP12 mRNA to monitor rejection of transplanted tissue, and the effects of FK506 immunosuppressant therapy. Nucleic acid sequences which hybridize to these 3'UTRs may also provide a means to modify in vivo production of tissue-specific FKBP mRNA.