Cloning of the mouse organic cation transporter 2 gene, Slc22a2, from an enhancer-trap transgene integration locus

A novel mouse gene, associated with the enhancer-trap mutation TKZ736, has been cloned and sequenced. It encodes a polyspecific transmembrane transporter with 12 putative transmembrane domains, that shares significant homology with the mouse organic cation transporter 1 (Oct1/Slc22a1) called Lx1. Like Oct1/Slc22a1/Lx1, this gene maps to the proximal part of Chromosome (Chr) 17, but shows a different expression pattern from Oct1/Slc22a1/Lx1. The gene identified here is predominantly expressed in the kidney and ureter, but no expression is detectable in liver. Sequence comparisons suggest that this novel gene most likely represents the mouse homolog of the rat organic cation transporter 2 gene. The genomic DNA flanking the 3′ transgene integration site in the enhancer-trap mutation TKZ736 encodes the second exon of the Oct2/Slc22a2 gene. Received: 6 July 1998 / Accepted: 15 October 1998