title: Structure of a human histone cDNA: evidence that basally expressed histone genes have intervening sequences and encode polyadenylylated mRNAs.
abstract: We have isolated and sequenced full-length cDNA clones encoding the human basally expressed H3.3 histone from a human fibroblast cDNA library. Several features of this atypical cDNA distinguish it and its gene from the well-characterized cell-cycle regulated histone genes and their RNA transcripts. The H3.3 mRNA is approximately equal to 1200 bases long, contains unusually long 5' and 3' untranslated regions, and has a 3' polyadenylylated terminus. In addition, we have isolated and characterized a cDNA clone that is a precursor to the H3.3 mRNA and contains an intervening sequence interrupting its 5' untranslated region. Hybridization of subsegments of the cDNA to human genomic DNA reveals a complex multigene family. The differences in the structures of basal and cell-cycle histone genes suggest a model to explain the differences in their expression.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kedes
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D002453:Cell Cycle; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics*; D005784:Gene Amplification; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005796:Genes; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006657:Histones / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D011061:Poly A / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D006657:Histones; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011061:Poly A; D004247:DNA