The genomic structure of the human UFO receptor.
Using a DNA transfection-tumorigenicity assay we have recently identified the UFO oncogene. It encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor characterized by the juxtaposition of two immunoglobulin-like and two fibronectin type III repeats in its extracellular domain. Here we describe the genomic organization of the human UFO locus. The UFO receptor is encoded by 20 exons that are distributed over a region of 44 kb. Different isoforms of UFO mRNA are generated by alternative splicing of exon 10 and differential usage of two imperfect polyadenylation sites resulting in the presence or absence of 1.5-kb 3' untranslated sequences. Primer extension and S1 nuclease analyses revealed multiple transcriptional initiation sites including a major site 169 bp upstream of the translation start site. The promoter region is GC rich, lacks TATA and CAAT boxes, but contains potential recognition sites for a variety of trans-acting factors, including Sp1, AP-2 and the cyclic AMP response element-binding protein. Proto-UFO and its oncogenic counterpart exhibit identical cDNA and promoter regions sequences. Possible modes of UFO activation are discussed.
Schulz
A S
AS
Department of Pediatrics II, University of Ulm, Germany.
Schleithoff
L
L
Faust
M
M
Bartram
C R
CR
Janssen
J W
JW
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001483:Base Sequence; D015894:Genome, Human; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D015513:Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D009857:Oncogenes; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000235:genetics*; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D000094963:Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
D015513:Oncogene Proteins; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D000094963:Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase; C000722289:AXL protein, human