PIPPIN, A PUTATIVE RNA-BINDING PROTEIN SPECIFICALLY EXPRESSED IN THE RAT-BRAIN

In looking for genes encoding RNA-binding factors, we prepared an expr ession library in lambda gt11, by cloning cDNAs corresponding to the p olyadenylated fraction of RNA from rat brain at the embryonal day 18. The library was then screened by binding to a radioactive RNA, transcr ibed in vitro from a cDNA encoding the rat histone variant H3.3. Here we report some findings concerning a cDNA fora protein which contains two putative double stranded RNA-binding domains (dsBD). The correspon ding message is specifically expressed in the brain. Moreover, Souther n blot analysis showed that the gene is highly conserved from Drosophi la melanogaster to man. (C) Academic Press, Inc.