Characterization and chromosome location of the mouse link protein gene (Crtl1)

Link protein (LP) plays an essential role in endochondral bone formation by stabilizing the supramolecular assemblies of aggrecan and hyaluronan. We h ave isolated and characterized the mouse link protein gene (Crtl1). It is l onger than 40 kb and transcribed from two alternative promoters, leading to heterogenous mRNAs between 5.3 and 1.3 kb in size. Apart from the coding s equence, the 5' flanking region is also highly conserved in mammals. Immuno staining revealed high levels of LP expression in the cartilaginous primord ia of skeletal elements and low levels in other tissues. Using single-stran d conformation polymorphism analysis, Crtl1 was assigned to mouse chromosom e 13, tightly linked to Dhfr. Copyright (C) 1999 S. Karger AG, Basel.