Comparisons of genomic structures and chromosomal locations of the mouse aldose reductase and aldose reductase-like genes

Aldose reductase (AR), best known as the first enzyme in the polyol pathway of sugar metabolism, has been implicated in a wide variety of physiologica l functions and in the etiology of diabetic complications. We have determin ed the structures and chromosomal locations of the mouse AR gene (Aldor1) a nd of two genes highly homologous to Aldor1: the fibroblast growth factor r egulated protein gene (Fgfrp) and the androgen regulated vas deferens prote in gene (Avdp). The number of introns and their locations in the mouse Aldo r1 gene are identical to those of rat and human AR genes and also to those of Fgfrp and Avdp. Mouse Aldor1 gene was found to be located near the Cald1 (Caldesmon) and Pm (Pleiotropin) loci at the proximal end of chromosome 6. The closely related genes Fgfrp and Avdp were also mapped in this region o f the chromosome, suggesting that these three genes may have arisen by a ge ne duplication event.