[Cloning and subcellular localization of apr-1--a new gene of tumor specific antigen family].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: apr-1 was cloned by improved polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based subtractive hybridization from all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced apoptotic leukemia HL-60 cells in 1999. Preliminary results showed that apr-1 might be an apoptosis-related gene (GenBank ID: NM_014061). This study was to explore the background of apr-1 through gene cloning, bioinformatic analysis, and subcellular locating. METHODS: The cDNA encoding Apr-1 was amplified by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and sequenced. Open reading frame (ORF) of apr-1 was analyzed with ORF finder software. Chromosome locus was defined by genome blast software. Conserved domains of amino acids were analyzed by protein blast software. Align (Cluster W) software in Vector NTI software package was used to analyze homogeneous genes (or proteins), and to draw the Phylogenetic Tree. Subcellular localization of apr-1 was performed. RESULTS: apr-1 was mapped to chromosome Xp11.22 with the ORF locating in 1 exon. Two MAGE conserved domains were found in Apr-1. Apr-1 shared homology with MAGE-A1, MAGE-B1, MAGE-C1, MAGE-D1, and Necdin. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Apr-1 was more closely related to MAGE-D1 and Necdin. Gene products of apr-1 were located in the nuclei of eukaryocytes. CONCLUSIONS: apr-1 is a member of MAGE family, and might belong to type II MAGE genes.