Structure and expression of the human MEP1A gene encoding the alpha subunit of metalloendopeptidase meprin A

The human genome contains several sequences that are similar to the MEP1A g ene encoding the alpha subunit of metalloendopeptidase meprin A. We now rep ort the first genomic structure for the human MEP1A gene that maps to chrom osome 6p21. The gene spans approximately 45 kb and consists of 14 exons and 13 introns. Overall, about 6.7% (3 kb) of the MEP1A gene corresponds to th e exon sequences. Tissue specificity of the MEP1A gene expression was exami ned by dot blot analysis of poly(A) RNA from 50 different human tissues. Th e MEP1A mRNA was detected for the first time in kidney and appendix in addi tion to colon and small intestine previously known to express the gene. The elucidated gene structure and tissue-specific expression of the MEP1A gene set the stage for investigating regulation and function of the gene and re lated sequences in the human genome. (C) 2000 Academic Press.