title: The complete sequence of the mouse skeletal alpha-actin gene reveals several conserved and inverted repeat sequences outside of the protein-coding region.
abstract: The complete nucleotide sequence of a genomic clone encoding the mouse skeletal alpha-actin gene has been determined. This single-copy gene codes for a protein identical in primary sequence to the rabbit skeletal alpha-actin. It has a large intron in the 5'-untranslated region 12 nucleotides upstream from the initiator ATG and five small introns in the coding region at codons specifying amino acids 41/42, 150, 204, 267, and 327/328. These intron positions are identical to those for the corresponding genes of chickens and rats. Similar to other skeletal alpha-actin genes, the nucleotide sequence codes for two amino acids, Met-Cys, preceding the known N-terminal Asp of the mature protein. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of rat, mouse, chicken, and human skeletal muscle alpha-actin genes reveals conserved sequences (some not previously noted) outside of the protein-coding region. Furthermore, several inverted repeat sequences, partially within these conserved regions, have been identified. These sequences are not present in the vertebrate cytoskeletal beta-actin genes. The strong conservation of the inverted repeat sequences suggests that they may have a role in the tissue-specific expression of skeletal alpha-actin genes.
mesh_terms: D000199:Actins / Q000235:genetics*; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes; D005796:Genes; D051379:Mice; D009132:Muscles / Q000378:metabolism*; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D012091:Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid
chemical_list: D000199:Actins; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes