果蝇Nrt基因的一个人同源异型基因NLGN-4的研究初报

Primary Studies on a Novel Human Homolog NLGN-4 of Drosophila Nrt Gene

运用计算机克隆的方法获得了一个新的人同源基因 ,经国际人类基因命名委员会批准命名为NL GN 4(Neuroligin 4) .该基因位于X染色体 ,有一个含有TATA框的典型启动子序列 ,mRNA全长约 5 .6kb ,3’末端含有ATAAA的加尾信号 ,编码一段长 816个氨基酸的蛋白质 ,相似于其家族成员人的NLGN 3基因产物 ,其神经系统 (主要是大脑 )的EST数目占正常组织EST总数的 45 % ,表明它在大脑和其他神经组织中有高度表达 ,可能与大脑的功能有关 ,这与其家族成员的功能相一致 .而它在胎儿心脏中也有较多表达 (占正常组织的 2 0 % ) 。

We found a noval human homologous gene, named NLGN-4 (Neuroligin 4), which is approved by HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee. The gene, located in X chromosome, contains a promoter with a TATA box and its mRNA is about 5.6 kb, with poly a signal ATAAA at its 3' end. It codes 816 amino acids; similar with that of human NLGN-3 gene. The ESTs from nerve system (mainly from brain) account for 45% of total ESTs from normal tissues, indicating its highly expression in nerve system including brain, and possible its function related to brain that the other members of the gene family have. Also the result with a relagively higher expression in fetal heart (accounting for 20%) implies that it might be involved in heart development.