KCNE1-like gene is deleted in AMME contiguous gene syndrome: Identification and characterization of the human and mouse homologs

We describe the identification and characterization of a new gene deleted i n the AMME contiguous gene syndrome. This gene is predominantly expressed i n heart, skeletal muscle, spinal cord, and brain. Screening of placenta and NT2 cDNA libraries enabled us to obtain the 1.5-kb full-length transcript, which shows a 426-bp open reading frame. Since the resulting 142-amino-aci d peptide has a single putative transmembrane domain and a weak but suggest ive homology with KCNE1 (minK), a protein associated with the KCNQ1 potassi um channel (KVLQT1), we named this new gene KCNE1-like (KCNE1L), To obtain greater insight into this new member of an apparently distinct protein fami ly, we have identified and characterized the homologous mouse gene (Kcne1l) , which encodes a peptide of 143 amino acids with 91% homology and 80% iden tity. The expression pattern of mouse Kcne1l in the developing embryo revea led strong signal in ganglia, in the migrating neural crest cells of crania l nerves, in the somites, and in the myoepicardial layer of the heart. The specific distribution in adult tissues, the putative channel function, and the expression pattern in the developing mouse embryo suggest that KCNE1L c ould be involved in the development of the cardiac abnormalities as well as of some neurological signs observed in patients with AMME contiguous gene syndrome. (C) 1999 Academic Press.