cDNA cloning, characterization and chromosome mapping of the gene encodinghuman cartilage associated protein (CRTAP)

We have recently isolated and characterized cDNA clones coding for a novel developmentally regulated avian and mouse embryo protein, GASP for Cartilag e Associated Protein. Here we describe the isolation and characterization o f the gene coding for the human GASP. The comparison of the putative human and mouse protein sequences with the chick sequence revealed an overall hig h identity (89% and 51%, respectively). Homology search with known DNA and protein sequences showed that CASPs are related to two mammalian nuclear pr oteins. Here we demonstrate definitively that CASPs are distinct from these nuclear proteins. However, sequence comparison analyses suggest that all o f these proteins belong to a new family. In all human tissues examined two GASP mRNA species were detected, whereas a single mRNA and three mRNAs were found in chick and mouse, respectively. The human GASP gene (CRTAP) was as signed to chromosome 3p22 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG. Basel.