Abstract
We have identified 52 novel human cadherin-like genes organized into three closely linked clusters. Comparison of the genomic DNA sequences with those of representative cDNAs reveals a striking genomic organization similar to that of immunoglobulin and T cell receptor gene clusters. The N-terminal extracellular and transmembrane domains of each cadherin protein are encoded by a distinct and unusually large exon. These exons are organized in a tandem array. By contrast, the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of each protein is identical and is encoded by three small exons located downstream from the cluster of N-terminal exons. This unusual organization has interesting implications regarding the molecular code required to establish complex networks of neuronal connections in the brain and the mechanisms of cell-specific cadherin-like gene expression.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Base Sequence
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Binding Sites
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Cadherins / classification
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Cadherins / genetics*
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Cell Adhesion / genetics*
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Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5
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DNA, Complementary
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Evolution, Molecular
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Gene Expression Regulation
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Humans
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Models, Genetic
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Multigene Family*
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Protein Precursors / classification
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Protein Precursors / genetics
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RNA, Messenger
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Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
Substances
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Cadherins
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DNA, Complementary
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Protein Precursors
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RNA, Messenger
Associated data
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GENBANK/AF152303
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GENBANK/AF152304
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GENBANK/AF152305
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GENBANK/AF152306
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GENBANK/AF152307
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GENBANK/AF152308
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GENBANK/AF152309
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GENBANK/AF152310
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GENBANK/AF152311
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GENBANK/AF152312
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GENBANK/AF152313
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GENBANK/AF152314
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GENBANK/AF152315
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GENBANK/AF152316
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GENBANK/AF152317
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GENBANK/AF152318
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GENBANK/AF152319
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GENBANK/AF152320
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GENBANK/AF152321
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GENBANK/AF152322
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GENBANK/AF152323
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GENBANK/AF152324
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GENBANK/AF152325
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GENBANK/AF152326
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GENBANK/AF152327
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GENBANK/AF152328
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GENBANK/AF152329
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GENBANK/AF152330
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GENBANK/AF152331
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GENBANK/AF152332