The cDNA cloning of the hamster homologue of the human L6 gene

Molecular cloning of a cDNA for rat TM4SF4, a homolog of human il-TMP (TM4SF4), and enhanced expression of the corresponding gene in regenerating rat liver(1)

il-TMP (also known as TM4SF4) is a human tetraspanin that is expressed in human intestine and liver. We have cloned a novel cDNA for a rat gene with sequence similar to that of a cDNA for human il-TMP. The cDNA encoded a protein of 202 amino acids, designated rat TM4SF4. The corresponding transcript was detected in rat liver and testis. The expression of rat TM4SF4 was enhanced in regenerating liver after two-thirds partial hepatectomy. It was supposed that rat TM4SF4 might play a role in cell proliferation and in liver regeneration.

Genomic structure and promoter analysis of the gene encoding MM3, a member of transmembrane 4 superfamily

We have isolated genomic clones encoding hamster MM3, a member of transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF). Nucleotide (nt) sequence analysis revealed that it is composed of 5 exons spanning about 8 kb. The exon-intron organization of the MM3 gene was quite different from those of other TM4SF members. We also identified its transcription start points (tsp) and the promoter region. Deletion analysis of the promoter revealed that about 160-bp region containing TATA-box, CAAT-box and GC-box was necessary for efficient transcription in cultured cells.