mmCGM1a: a mouse carcinoembryonic antigen gene family member, generated by alternative splicing, functions as an adhesion molecule

Abstract

Carcinoembryonic antigen is a human tumor marker and the prototype of a large family of immunoglobulin-like proteins. We have been developing a mouse model for this large protein family and have cloned a complementary DNA (cDNA) for a mouse carcinoembryonic antigen gene family member (mmCGM1a). Two transcripts expressed in several different adult mouse tissues hybridize to this cDNA, a 1.8-kilobase and a 4.6-kilobase mRNA. Sequences of many related cDNA clones indicate that they are most likely encoded by a single gene which undergoes alternative splicing. The protein encoded by the mmCGM1a cDNA shares 69% of the amino acid residues in the NH2-terminal domain with a rat liver ecto-ATPase and with the human biliary glycoprotein. Mouse fibroblast transfectant cells expressing the mmCGM1a protein on their cell surface exhibit calcium- and temperature-independent adhesion in vitro which can be specifically inhibited by an antibody raised against a carcinoembryonic antigen-related 120 kilodalton protein.