The tissue distribution of mRNAs for the PACE4 isoforms, kexin-like processing protease: PACE4C and PACE4D mRNAs are major transcripts among PACE4 isoforms.

In the previous study [Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (1994) 200, 943-950] we identified two novel cDNAs (PACE4C and PACE4D) encoding human Kexin-like protease, the PACE4 isoforms. In this study, we examined the expression of PACE4 isoform transcripts in various rat tissues. To detect very low levels and to distinguish among these isoforms, we used the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). PACE4C and PACE4D transcripts were detected in most tissues like PACE4A transcripts, however their tissue distribution profiles and the extent of expression differ. PACE4C and PACE4D transcripts are expressed at a much higher level than PACE4A transcript. These results indicate that PACE4C and PACE4D mRNAs are major transcripts of PACE4.