Molecular
Cloning and Characterization of Human DDX36 and Mouse Ddx36
Genes, New Members of the DEAD/H Box Superfamily
FU Jun-Jiang, LI Lu-Yun, LU Guang-Xiu*
( Laboratory of Human Reproductive Engineering, Central South University
Xiangya
Medical College, Changsha 410078, China )
Abstract With the
strategy of homologue molecular cloning using the sequence of the maleless gene
(mle) of Drosophila, the novel homologous human and mouse genes
with longer DNA/RNA helicase box (DEAD/DEAH box), named DDX36 and Ddx36
genes, respectively, were cloned as new members of the DEAD/H box superfamily.
The predicted protein encoded by human DDX36 gene has a sequence
identity of 37% and similarity of 58% with the MLE protein of Drosophila
and 91% and 94% with the predicted protein encoded by mouse Ddx36 gene,
respectively. Northern blotting of DDX36 shows a single strong signal of
3.8 kb in the hybridization pattern in human testis but no or very weak signal
in other tissues. The DDX36 gene is mapped to chromosome 3q25.1-3q25.2,
in which 26 exons and 25 introns have been identified. DDX36 and Ddx36
genes may be involved in sex development, spermatogenesis and male
reproduction.
Key words DDX36 gene; ª«Ddx36ª« gene; cDNA cloning;
DEAD/H box; tissue expression pattern
*Corresponding author£ºTel, 86-731-4497661; Fax,
86-731-4497661, e-mail, [email protected]