Identification and gene structure of a novel human PLZF-related transcription factor gene, TZFP

A novel cDNA clone was identified through yeast two-hybrid experiments. Fol lowing cross-examination between the cDNA clones, EST clones, and the cosmi d clone, we could digitally assemble a new zinc finger transcription factor gene. This predicted gene has a cDNA size of about 1960 bp and is translat ed into a 487-amino-acid protein. According to database analysis, this gene contains three C2H2 zinc finger motifs and is highly related to human PLZF (promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein). The full-length coding regio n of the gene was isolated, and its sequences were confirmed by DNA sequenc ing. Interestingly, one splicing variant lacking exon III was also identifi ed. Northern blot analysis revealed that this gene is mainly expressed in h uman testis. In conclusion, we have identified a new member of the PLZF zin c finger protein family, the testis zinc finger protein (TZFP), which is ma inly expressed in testis tissue. (C) 1999 Academic Press.