Expression analysis and chromosome location of a novel gene (H11) associated with the growth of human melanoma cells

We have previously described the isolation of a new human gene, H11, that c odes for a 25 kDa phosphoprotein with autokinase activity the expression of which is required for cell growth. The data described in this report exten d these findings. Using FISH and M-FISH we show that H11 which maps at chro mosome site 12q24.1-12q24.31 is not involved in chromosomal translocations. The tissue distribution of H11 mRNA is restricted, with expression being m ost abundant in skeletal muscle, heart, prostate and placenta. The H11 prot ein is cytoplasmic and it is associated with the plasma membrane. Cell surf ace localization in particulate aggregate formations suggests that it may b e complexed to proteins involved in the transfer of extracellular growth si gnals.