Sequence and genomic organization of the human G-protein Golfalpha gene (GNAL) on chromosome 18p11, a susceptibility region for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Publication/Presentation Date

9-1-2000

Abstract

The sequence and genomic organization of the human Golfalpha (GNAL) gene were determined. The human GNAL gene was found to contain 12 coding exons, and it spans over 80 kb on chromosome 18p11. 5' RACE analysis suggested an additional transcription initiation start site. Sequence analysis of the putative promoter region revealed conserved binding sites for several transcription factors. Sequence analysis of the 3'-untranslated region revealed the presence of two Alu sequences and two polyadenylation signals. 3' RACE analysis confirmed the functionality of the most downstream poly-a signal. The human GNAL was found to be expressed as a single transcript of about 5.9 kb in the brain. One highly informative dinucleotide repeat was found in intron 5. Additionally, a processed pseudogene for asparagine synthetase was found about 6 kb upstream of the GNAL gene. Knowledge of the sequence and structure of the human GNAL gene provides essential information for further analysis of the GNAL locus at chromosome 18p11 which has been linked to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Volume

5

Issue

5

First Page

495

Last Page

501

ISSN

1359-4184

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

11032382

Department(s)

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Document Type

Article

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