Structure and expression of the human histamine H-4-receptor gene

We report the characterization by genomics-based approach of the human H-4- receptor gene structure. The H-4-receptor gene have been mapped by radiatio n hybrid experiments (Gene Bridge 4) on chromosome 18q11.2, between the AFM BB11WH5 and CHLC.GATA85D10 markers. The H-4-receptor gene spans more than 2 1 kbp and contains three exons separated by two large introns (>7 kbp). RT- PCR analysis showed that the H-2-receptor gene encoded a 3.7 kb mRNA which did not seem to be alternatively spliced within its coding region. The H,re ceptor transcripts were found to be highly expressed in peripheral tissues implicated in inflammatory responses such as leukocytes, spleen, lung, and liver, In addition, low expression level of the H-4-receptor mRNA was also detected in several human brain regions. Analysis of the 5 ' -flanking regi on of the H-4-receptor gene did not reveal the existence of canonical TATA or CAAT-box. However, several putative regulatory elements mediating TNF al pha or IL-6-stimulated transcriptional activation were detected. The uterog lobin promoter binding factor, known to mediate anti-inflammatory response of uteroglobin, in the lung, was also found in this region. Thus, the descr iption of the H, receptor gene promoter region will facilitate the elucidat ion of its transcriptional control by factors secreted during inflammatory responses. (C) 2001 Academic Press.