The gene family encoding the mouse ribosomal protein L32 contains a uniquely expressed intron-containing gene and an unmutated processed gene

The family of approximately 16 genes encoding the mouse ribosomal protein L32 has been characterized by an analysis of a representative set of genomic clones. Surprisingly, this family contains only a single expressed intron-containing gene. This gene, termed rpL32 , has been completely sequenced and found to possess certain novel features including the presence in two of its introns of a sequence with high homology to the 5' end of U1 snRNA and a 5' terminal region exceptionally rich in pyrimidines. Most of the other members of the L32 family appear to be processed genes, some of which are identical or very similar to the rpL32 gene, except for the lack of introns. One unmutated gene was found to be integrated 28 nucleotides downstream of a canonical TATA box. However, despite this feature, the gene does not seem to be expressed, as judged by its extent of methylation compared to the expressed rpL32 gene.