A GENE HOMOLOGOUS TO THE REG GENE IS EXPRESSED IN THE HUMAN PANCREAS

We have determined the nucleotide sequence of reg1 a human genomic DNA fragment homologous to the reg gene which is expressed in the exocrin e pancreas and regenerating islets. Sequence comparisons of reg and re g1 suggested similar exon-intron organisation. Based on this assumptio n, specific oligonucleotides for reg1 exons were used to demonstrate e xpression of the reg1 gene in pancreas and liver. The proteins encoded by reg and reg1 comprise 166 amino acids and differ by 22 amino acids only.