A NOVEL GENE CODES FOR A PUTATIVE G-PROTEIN-COUPLED RECEPTOR WITH AN ABUNDANT EXPRESSION IN BRAIN

Following the cloning of the dopamine receptors we continued a search of the human genome for related genes, We searched an EST data base an d discovered cDNA fragments encoding novel G protein-coupled receptor genes, The available GenBank sequence of one of these EST fragments sh owed that it encoded a receptor with closest similarity to the D2 dopa mine and adrenergic receptors, This cDNA was used to isolate the gene (GPR19), and the encoded receptor also demonstrated similarity with th e neuropeptide Y receptor, The gene was mapped to chromosome 12, in re gion p13.2-12.3. Northern blot analysis revealed expression of GPR19 i n peripheral regions, and brain regions significantly overlapping with the D2 receptor gene expression. A sequence of the rat orthologue of GPR19 was obtained and in situ hybridization analysis demonstrated a v ery abundant expression in rat brain.