RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Role of the Mouse <em>ank</em> Gene in Control of Tissue Calcification and Arthritis
JF Science
JO Science
FD American Association for the Advancement of Science
SP 265
OP 270
DO 10.1126/science.289.5477.265
VO 289
IS 5477
A1 Ho, Andrew M.
A1 Johnson, Michelle D.
A1 Kingsley, David M.
YR 2000
UL http://science.sciencemag.org/content/289/5477/265.abstract
AB Mutation at the mouse progressive ankylosis(ank) locus causes a generalized, progressive form of arthritis accompanied by mineral deposition, formation of bony outgrowths, and joint destruction. Here, we show that theank locus encodes a multipass transmembrane protein (ANK) that is expressed in joints and other tissues and controls pyrophosphate levels in cultured cells. A highly conserved gene is present in humans and other vertebrates. These results identify ANK-mediated control of pyrophosphate levels as a possible mechanism regulating tissue calcification and susceptibility to arthritis in higher animals.