cDNA cloning and expression of an apoptosis-related gene, human TFAR15 gene

By means of cDNA-RDA method, some cDNA fragments were found to have high le vels of expression during deprivation of GM-CSF (granulocyte macrophage-col ony stimulating factor) in a human myeloid cell line, TF-1 cells. One of th ese fragments was identified as a novel gene. To get the full length of cDN A, rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RP;CE) and expressed sequence tags (ES T) overlapping fragments assembling strategies were used. The novel gene wa s named TRAF15 (TF-1 cell apoptosis related gene-15), which consists of 1 2 18 nucleotides and encodes 212 amino acids. The putative protein product of TFAR15 is partially homologous to C. elegans protein C14A4.11. TFAR15 mRNA is expressed in fetal liver, kidney, spleen and lung, and also in some hum an myeloid cell lines. Both of the TFAR15 mRNA and protein were highly expr essed in TF-1 cells after GM-CSF withdrawal. In vitro analysis showed that the recombinant TFAR15 protein could inhibit the natural cell death of 293 cells, an embryonic kidney cell line.