Identification of a novel seven-transmembrane receptor with homology to glycoprotein receptors and its expression in the adult and developing mouse

Using a PCR-based cloning strategy we have isolated a cDNA from mouse brain and named it fex, because it codes for a novel putative G; protein-coupled receptor expressed in follicles. The deduced amino acid sequence shows a h igher degree of homology to the family of glycoprotein receptors, namely th ose for FSH, LH, and TSH, than to other G; protein-coupled receptors. With 18 leucine-rich repeats FEX exhibits features in its N-terminal portion cha racterizing it as unique within the glycoprotein receptor family, In the ad ult mouse fex expression was detected in the male and female gonads, the ad renal medulla, and the olfactory bulb of the brain. During embryonic develo pment fex transcripts were detected transiently in various tissues, particu larly in selected regions of the central nervous system, the developing fac e, the intervertebral discs anlagen, and the limb buds. Because fex was exp ressed during periods of active morphogenesis, it may be an important recep tor for signals controlling growth and differentiation of specific embryoni c tissues. (C) 1999 Academic Press.