Erythropoietin (EPO) cDNA was cloned from kidney total RNA of a NZW rabbit.
The cDNA comprises a 588-bp open reading frame encoding a 195 amino acid p
rotein with distinguishable regions of high of homology to other mammalian
EPOs. Intramuscular injection of mice with a rabbit EPO expression plasmid
resulted in a significant hematocrit increase. A rabbit genomic DNA fragmen
t was also cloned using the rabbit EPO cDNA, This 4312-bp genomic DNA fragm
ent contains sequences homologous to the mouse EPO promoter and hypoxia-res
ponsive enhancer. In addition, the genomic DNA also presents a high degree
of conservation to other regions involved in hypoxia response. Sequence div
ergence in the 3' UTR may indicate differences in regulation of mRNA stabil
ity or response to low oxygen tension, (C) 2001 Academic Press.