Analysis of the gene-dense major histocompatibility complex class III region and its comparison to mouse.

ABSTRACT: In mammals, the Major Histocompatibility Complex class I and II gene clusters are separated by an approximately 700-kb stretch of sequence called the MHC class III region, which has been associated with susceptibility to numerous diseases. To facilitate understanding of this medically important and architecturally interesting portion of the genome, we have sequenced and analyzed both the human and mouse class III regions. The cross-species comparison has facilitated the identification of 60 genes in human and 61 in mouse, including a potential RNA gene for which the introns are more conserved across species than the exons. Delineation of global organization, gene structure, alternative splice forms, protein similarities, and potential cis-regulatory elements leads to several conclusions: (

SUBMITTER: Xie T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC403804 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature