A 500-kb sequence-ready cosmid contig and transcript map of the MEN1 region on 11q13

We have generated a transcript map of an approximately 1.2-Mb region from h uman chromosome band 11q13 between the loci VEGFB and CAPN1, which flank th e multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) locus. In total, we isolated 144 cosmids from this region and generated a sequence-ready cosmid contig o f the approximately 500-kb region between the neurexin locus and D11S2196E. We identified 54 genes/ESTs by sample sequencing and have constructed a tr anscript map of this region. Genes were found to be clustered in three regi ons, and one of these genes was identical to the recently identified MEN1 l ocus. Relative to the latter, we have mapped the positions of 13 known gene s, 18 genes which show homology to genes from humans or other organisms, an d 22 genes/ESTs that appear novel. In addition, we have ascertained the dir ections of transcription of some of these genes and have determined interge nic distances between many loci. Full characterization of some of these gen es, as well as the novel ESTs, will be useful in identifying candidate gene s for other diseases known to map to this chromosomal region. (C) 1999 Acad emic Press.