Cloning of PC3B, a novel member of the PC3/BTG/TOB family of growth inhibitory genes, highly expressed in the olfactory epithelium

We identified in the EST database murine and human sequences similar,, but not identical, to the members of the PC3/BTG/TOB family of cell cycle inhib itors. A conserved domain (aa 50-68) of the PC3 protein, the prototype memb er of the family, was used as a query. That domain has been shown by us to be necessary for the antiproliferative activity of PC3. A murine EST clone and a highly homologous human EST clone, containing the entire ORF, were ch osen for sequencing. Comparison to databases and a phylogenetic tree analys is indicated that these EST clones are the mouse and human homologues of a gene that represents a novel member of the PC3/BTG/TOB family. This gene, n amed PC3B, is endowed with marked antiproliferative activity, being able to induce G(1) arrest, and is highly expressed in testis, in oocyte, and in p reimplantation embryos. Analysis of its expression during murine developmen t indicated a specific localization in the olfactory epithelium at midgesta tion, suggesting that PC3B might be involved in the differentiation of this neuronal structure. Human PC3B mapped to chromosome 11q23, as indicated by radiation hybrid analysis. (C) 2000 Academic Press.