Structural organization and expression of the mouse gene for Pur-1, a highly conserved homolog of the human MAZ gene

Citation
J. Song et al., Structural organization and expression of the mouse gene for Pur-1, a highly conserved homolog of the human MAZ gene, EUR J BIOCH, 259(3), 1999, pp. 676-683
Citations number
47
Categorie Soggetti
Biochemistry & Biophysics
Journal title
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY
ISSN journal
00142956 → ACNP
Volume
259
Issue
3
Year of publication
1999
Pages
676 - 683
Database
ISI
SICI code
0014-2956(199902)259:3<676:SOAEOT>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
We have characterized the genomic structure and expression of the mouse gen e for Pur-1. The cloned Pur-1 gene spans a 5-kb region encompassing the pro moter, five exons, four introns and the 3'-untranslated region. All exon-in tron junction sequences conform to the GT/AG rule. The promoter region has typical features of a housekeeping gene: a high G + C content (77.5%); a hi gh frequency of CpG dinucleotides, in particular within the region 0.5 kb u pstream of the site of initiation of translation; and the absence of canoni cal TATA and CAAT boxes. S1 nuclease protection assay demonstrated the pres ence of multiple sites for initiation of transcription around a site 108 nu cleotides upstream of the ATG codon. Comparison of Pur-1 with the human gen e for MAZ (Myc-associated zinc finger protein) revealed a striking homology of both their nucleotide and deduced protein sequences, an identical genom ic organization and high similarity in promoter architecture and mRNA expre ssion pattern. Sequence analysis of the 5'-flanking region of Pur-1 reveale d numerous potential binding sites for transcription factors Sp1, AP-2 and Pur-1/MAZ itself. An element required for basal Pur-1 expression was mapped from nucleotide - 258 to + 43. This region also mediated stimulation of ba sal transcription by ectopically expressed MAZ protein. We conclude that th e Pur-1 gene is the murine homolog of human MAZ and, like it, belongs to th e family of housekeeping genes.