Human secretin (SCT): gene structure, chromosome location, and distribution of mRNA

Secretin is an endocrine hormone that stimulates the secretion of bicarbona te-rich pancreatic fluids. Recently, it has been discussed that secretin de ficiency may be implicated in autistic syndrome, suggesting that the hormon e could have a neuroendocrine function in addition to its role in digestion . In the present study, the human secretin gene (SCT) was isolated from a b acterial artificial chromosome genomic library. SCT contains four exons, wi th the protein coding regions spanning 713 bp of genomic DNA. Human SCT is similar structurally to the secretin genes of other species. Amino acid con servation, however, is most pronounced within the exon encoding the biologi cally active mature peptide. Northern blot analysis shows that human SCT tr anscripts are located in the spleen, intestinal tract, and brain. Radiation hybrid mapping places the SCT locus on chromosome 11p15.5. Copyright (C) 2 000 S. Karger AG, Basel.