Genomic organization and chromosomal location of the mouse vasoactive intestinal polypeptide 1(VPAC(1)) receptor

The gene encoding the mouse vasoactive intestinal polypeptide type 1 (VPAC( 1)) receptor was cloned, and its structural organization was determined. Th e gene (Vipr1) is more than 16 kb in length and is divided into 13 exons. T he 5'-flanking region is highly GC-rich and lacks an apparent TATA box, but contains a CCAAT box, three potential Spl-binding sites, and two potential AP-a-binding sites. Promoter analysis of the 5'-flanking region of Vipr1 u sing a luciferase gene reporter system revealed that the isolated 5'-flanki ng region has functional promoter activity. The mouse Vipr1 gene is encoded by a single gene, which was mapped to the distal region of mouse chromosom e 9. This region is syntenic with human chromosome 3p, where the human VPAC (1) receptor gene has been mapped. (C) 1999 Academic Press.