Expression of SOx-2, a member of the FAD-dependent sulfhydryl oxidase/quiescin Q6 gene family, in rat brain

Sulfhydryl oxidases belonging to the FAD-dependent sulfhydryl oxidase/quiescin Q6 family were previously reported in rat peripheral organs but they were not detected in brain. In the present study, by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and northern blot analysis, we clearly show an ubiquitous expression of the SOx-2 gene in brain; moreover, while only one transcript was present in peripheral organs, at least two transcripts were detected in brain, suggesting a tissue-specific splicing of its mRNA. The shorter one, likely corresponding to the SOx-2 m RNA identified from rat seminal vesicles, was highly expressed in diencephalon and telencephalon. The finding of SOx-2 gene expression in brain is relevant, since its dysregulation could lead to oxidative stress, a causative factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.