Structure and localization of the gene encoding human peripheral myelin protein 2 (PMP2)

Abstract

Peripheral myelin protein 2 (PMP2) is a small, basic, and cytoplasmic lipid binding protein of peripheral myelin. In this paper, we describe the cloning, characterization, and chromosomal mapping of the human PMP2 gene. The gene is about 8 kb long and consists of four exons. All exon-intron junction sequences conform to the GT/AG rule. The 5'-flanking region of the gene has a TA-rich element (TATA-like box) and a single defined transcription initiation site detected by the primer extension method. The gene for human PMP2 was assigned to chromosome 8q21.3-q22.1 by spot hybridization of flow-sorted human chromosomes and fluorescence in situ hybridization.