Identification,genomic organization and mRNA expression of CRELD1, the founding member of a unique family of matricellular proteins

We have isolated and characterized a unique gene that encodes a highly conserved membrane bound extracellular protein that defines a new epidermal growth factor-related gene family. The CRELD1 (Cysteine-Rich with EGF-Like Domains 1) gene (previously known as cirrin) was cloned from a human chromosome 3 BAC. Mapping of the gene confirmed its position at chromosome 3p25.3. The gene is ubiquitously expressed in early development and later becomes more markedly expressed in the developing heart, limb buds, mandible and central nervous system. Expression persists in adulthood in most tissues. Sequence analysis suggests that this is a cell adhesion protein. The mouse orthologue was cloned and mapped to the syntenic region of mouse chromosome 6. Orthologues or homologues have also been identified for cow, Chinese hamster, Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans. The CRELD1 gene is deleted in the human cytogenetic disorder 3p- syndrome and is in the region of loss of heterozygosity for several types of cancer. A potential role for this protein in these disorders is discussed.     

Molecular cloning and expression of the human and mouse homologues of the Drosophila dachshund gene

Recent genetic analysis of the Drosophila dachshund (dac) gene has established that dac encodes a novel nuclear protein that is involved in both eye and leg development. In the Drosophila eye, dac expression appears to be controlled by the product of the eyeless/Pax6 gene. In order to analyze the Pax6 pathway in vertebrates we have isolated and characterized the cDNA and genomic clones corresponding to the human and mouse homologues of Drosophila dac. A full-length human cDNA encoding dachshund (DACH) encodes the 706 amino acids protein with predicted molecular weight of 73 kDa. A 109 amino acid domain located at the N-terminus of the DACH showed significant sequence and secondary structure homologies to the ski/sno oncogene products. Northern blot analysis found human DACH predominantly in adult kidney, heart, and placenta, with less expression detected in the brain, lung, skeletal muscle and pancreas. A panel of human cell lines was studied and most notably a large proportion of neuroblastomas expressed DACH mRNA. Mouse Dach encodes a protein of 751 amino acids with predicted molecular weight of 78 kDa that is 95% identical to the human DACH. RNase protection analysis showed the highest Dach mRNA expression in the adult mouse kidney and lung, whereas lower expression was detected in the brain and testis. RT/PCR analysis readily detected Dach mRNA in the adult mouse cornea and retina. Dach mRNA expression in the mouse E11.5 embryo was observed primarily in the fore and hind limbs, as well as in the somites. Received: 9 February 1999 / Accepted: 19 April 1999     

人分泌粒蛋白III的克隆和表达(英文)

研究了一个新的人分泌蛋白基因_分泌粒蛋白III(secretograninIII,SgIII)。SgIII蛋白序列共有 4 6 8个氨基酸残基 ,N端有一段疏水信号肽 ,序列中含有DSTK重复序列和 7对二元碱性氨基酸 (dibasicsites) ,这些结构特点同其他分泌粒蛋白家族成员相类似。人源SgIII蛋白在小鼠、大鼠和爪蟾中各有一个同源蛋白。基因组分析表明 ,SgIII基因位于人 15号染色体上 ,含有 12个外显子 ,分布在 39kb长的基因组DNA上。Western印迹和免疫细胞化学实验证实 ,SgIII蛋白同其他分泌粒蛋白家族成员一样 ,通过分泌途径被分泌到胞外。SgIII在多种组织中都有表达 ,Northern印迹显示SgIII的mRNA主要有 2 .2kb和 1.9kb两种形式 ,但在脑中还有 4 .5kb和 3.3kb大小的两种特异转录本。     

Genomic organization and characterization of human PEX2 encoding a 35-kDa peroxisomal membrane protein

Peroxins are proteins involved in peroxisome biogenesis and are encoded by PEX genes. The human PEX2 gene encodes a 35-kDa peroxisomal integral membrane protein which is a member of the zinc finger protein family. Mutations in the PEX2 gene are the primary defect in a subset of patients with Zellweger syndrome and related peroxisome biogenesis disorders. The role of zinc finger proteins in peroxisome assembly and function is poorly understood. Here we report the cloning and characterisation of the human PEX2 structural gene. PEX2 was assigned to human chromosome 8q13-q21 and its murine homologue to mouse chromosome 3. The gene is approximately 17.5 kb in length, and contains four exons. The entire coding sequence is included in one exon, exon 4. The 5'-flanking region has features of housekeeping genes (GC enrichment, two Sp1 sites) and tissue-specific, inducible genes (two CCAAT boxes). In more than 1.5 kb of 5'-flanking sequences we did not identify consensus peroxisomal proliferator responsive elements (PPRE).     

Cloning,characterization and chromosomal localization of the Sus scrofa SLC31A1 gene

Copper is an essential element necessary for normal function of numerous enzymes in all living organisms. Uptake of copper into the cell is thought to occur through the membrane protein, SLC31A1 (CTR1), which has been described in a variety of species including yeast, human and mouse. In this study, we present cloning, gene structure, chromosomal localization and expression pattern of the Sus scrofa SLC31A1 gene, which encodes a 189 amino acid protein. The (SSC) SLC31A1 gene is organized in four exons and spans an approximately 2.3 kb genomic region. We have localized the gene to chromosome 1q28-q2.13 using a somatic cell hybrid panel. This region shows conservation of synteny with human chromosome 9, where the human SLC31A1 (CTR1) gene has been localized. Expression studies suggest that SLC31A1 mRNA is transcribed in all tissues examined.