Human MAFA has alternatively spliced variants

Abstract

Human mast cell function-associated antigen (MAFA) cDNA has been cloned. This molecule is similar to the rat form having an intracellular domain containing a putative immunoreceptor tyrosine inhibition motif and an extracellular C type lectin-like domain. However, in contrast to rat MAFA, the amino acid sequence suggests the presence of two additional extracellular N-linked glycosylation sites. In addition, alternative mRNA transcripts are observed that differ substantially from those found in the rat.