Identification and Characterization of the Gene Encoding a New Member of the α-Crystallin/Small hsp Family, Closely Linked to the αB-Crystallin Gene in a Head-to-Head Manner

摘要: Abstract αB-Crystallin is a member of the α-crystallin/small heat shock protein (hsp) family and under various neuropathologic conditions accumulates in reactive astrocytes degenerating neurons. In 5′-flanking region αB-crystallin gene on human chromosome 11q22–q23, where constitutive DNase I hypersensitive site located, we identified transcribed opposite direction. Analysis its mRNA structure by RT-PCR 5′/3′RACE revealed that this composed two exons encodes new hsp family. This was designated HSPB2 HMGW Nomenclature Committee. The complete genomic rat homologue also determined. Northern blot analysis expressed preferentially skeletal muscle heart but not lens, while neighboring highly all three tissues. related genes are arranged head-to-head manner with an intergenic sequence less than 1 kb, raising possibility shared regulatory elements for their expression.