Molecular cloning, sequencing and alternative splicing of the acid phosphatase (Acph) gene from Drosophila virilis

Abstract

The Acph gene of Drosophila virilis was isolated from a genomic library and sequenced. The gene was organized into 6 exons interrupted by 5 introns. 5' and 3' RACE identified 3 transcripts ascribed to alternative splicing. One of them coded for 435 amino acid residues; and the others, for 403 amino acids. The shorter ones lacked 34 residues at the C-terminus end encoded by exon 6, which has been implicated in anchoring the protein to the lysosomal membrane.