MOLECULAR-CLONING OF A NOVEL HUMAN GENE (D11S4896E) AT CHROMOSOMAL REGION 11P15.5

A novel gene (GOK) has been cloned from human chromosome region 11p15. 5 that is believed to contain a gene or genes associated with a number of pediatric malignancies, including Wilms tumor. A 4-kb cDNA has bee n cloned and it encodes a predicted protein of similar to 84 kDa that could be translated in vitro. Computer analysis predicted that the pro tein had a signal peptide and may contain a transmembrane helix. Restr iction mapping by pulsed-field electrophoresis indicates that GOK is l ocated 1.7 kb telomeric of RRM1, and both genes are transcribed in the same direction. GOK displays high evolutionary conservation: cloning and partial sequencing of a mouse genomic clone revealed 90% identity with the human gene at both the nucleotide and the predicted amino aci d levels. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.