Cloning, tissue expression, and chromosomal assignment of human MRJ gene for a member of the DNAJ protein family

Abstract

The DnaJ protein family consists of proteins with a highly conserved amino acid stretch called the 'J - domain'. A cDNA clone encoding a new protein with a J-domain was isolated from a human fetal brain cDNA library. This new member of the DnaJ family of 241 amino acid residues showed 94% identity with mouse Mrj (accession number, AF035962) and 71% identity with mouse Msj1 (accession number, U95607) along its entire sequence. Reverse transcription - coupled polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed the messenger RNA was ubiquitously expressed in various human tissues. The chromosomal location of the gene was determined by PCR-based analyses with both a human/rodent monochromosomal hybrid cell panel and a radiation hybrid panel to map on chromosome 11q25 region.