Analysis of the mammalian talin2 gene TLN2

We have utilised genomic and EST databases to assemble the sequence of the human talin2( TLN2) gene. Talin2 protein is similar in size and sequence to talin1 throughout its length (74% identity, 86% similarity). The major dif ferences are in (i) the size of the genes, the TLN2 gene is >200 kb compare d with similar to 30 kb for TLN1 due to a difference in intron size, althou gh intron/exon boundaries, with the exception of two, are strictly conserve d; (ii) the expression patterns, TLN1 gives rise to an similar to8-kb mRNA which is observed in all tissues, whereas MAT gives rise to multiple transc ripts with the highest levels in heart. (C) 2001 Academic Press.