Comparison of the rodent and human beta3-adrenergic receptor cDNAs wit
h the respective genomic sequences has revealed unexpectedly that thes
e genes contain two protein-coding exons. The rat gene was cloned rece
ntly and was found to contain three exons and two introns. In the pres
ent report, the human beta3 receptor gene was characterized and was fo
und to consist of two exons and a single intron. Sequence analysis of
the human beta3 receptor gene identified regions in the intron that we
re homologous to the second exon and second intron of the rat gene. It
appears that both species utilize homologous 5' donor sites in the fi
rst intron and 3' acceptor sites of the final exon. However, splicing
signals within the human intron that are homologous to the second exon
of the rat gene are not used. Nuclease protection assays of tissue RN
A and polymerase chain reaction-amplified cDNA demonstrated conclusive
ly that beta3 receptor mRNA, containing two protein-coding exons, is e
xpressed in human adipose and intestinal tissues. The pharmacological
properties of the full length human beta3 receptor were determined for
the first time in Chinese hamster ovary cells, where catecholamine ag
onists activated adenylyl cyclase with low potency. The beta3 receptor
agonists CGP 12177 and BRL 37344 also activated adenylyl cyclase. CGP
12177 was 10-15 times more potent than either isoproterenol or BRL 37
344 in stimulating adenylyl cyclase activity. These pharmacological pr
operties differed somewhat from those reported previously for Chinese
hamster ovary cells expressing the truncated receptor. However, direct
comparison indicates that it is unlikely that the amino acid sequence
derived from the second exon can account for these differences.