cDNA sequence and genomic structure of the rat RET proto-oncogene

The RET proto-oncogene, a member of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase family, pl ays a crucial role during the development of the excretory system and the e nteric nervous system, as demonstrated by in vivo animal studies and by its involvement in the pathogenesis of several human neurocristopathies like H irschsprung disease and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2. Using a multis tep RT-PCR approach we have isolated and sequenced the cDNA of the whole ra t RET proto-oncogene, reporting the deduced amino acid sequence in comparis on with the human and mouse counterparts. Moreover, two different isoforms (RET9 and RET51) have been confirmed in the rat, while a third RET isoform demonstrated in human (RET43) has not resulted to be conserved in this spec ies. Finally, we have determined the genomic structure of the rat RET proto -oncogene comparing the exon-intron boundaries and intron sizes with the kn own structure of the human homologous gene. Our findings will facilitate th e molecular study of appropriate rat models of RET related human diseases.