ZHX-1 - A NOVEL MOUSE HOMEODOMAIN PROTEIN CONTAINING 2 ZINC-FINGERS AND 5 HOMEODOMAINS

A cDNA encoding the complete reading frame of a novel homeodomain-cont aining protein, named zhx-1, has been cloned from a mouse bone marrow stromal cell line. The ORF encodes a protein of 873 amino acids, in wh ich two C-2-H-2 zinc-fingers and five homeodomains have been identifie d. These features classify zhx-1 as a member of the ZF class of homeod omain transcription factors. zhx-1 mRNA is widely expressed in adult m ouse, although it is preferentially expressed in brain. At least, two homologous mRNAs are present in humans suggesting that zhx-1 is the fi rst member of a novel subclass of homeodomain factors. (C) 1996 Academ ic Press, Inc.