A cDNA coding for a human type VIII adenylyl cyclase has been isolated
from human newborn brain-stem tissue. This cDNA is 6,005 bp long and
encodes for a protein of 1251 amino acids, exhibiting the two sets of
six transmembrane spanning regions and the hydrophobicity profile typi
cal of other mammalian adenylyl cyclases. Comparison with the rat form
shows that they share 97% identity in amino acids. Type VIII adenylyl
cyclase is unique in that it has both a long carboxy terminal and a l
ong amino terminal tail. This is the first report on a complete cDNA c
lone coding for a human adenylyl cyclase. The distribution and regulat
ion of this particular adenylyl cyclase suggest that it may be involve
d in learning, in memory and in drug dependence.