J. Biol. Chem., Vol. 261, Issue 26, 11974-11979, Sep, 1986
Characterization, sequence, and expression of the cloned human neuropeptide Y gene
CD Minth, PC Andrews and JE Dixon
The human neuropeptide Y (NPY) gene was isolated from a human genomic DNA
library. The transcription unit spans approximately 8 kilobase pairs and is
interrupted by three intervening sequences. The first exon contains only
nontranslated DNA. The site where transcription initiates was determined by
primer extension analysis using a primer derived from a human cDNA,
pheochromocytoma RNA and avian myeloblastosis virus reverse transcriptase.
A TATA-like sequence and a CAAT-like sequence occur 25 and 70 base pairs 5'
to the transcription start site, respectively. The second exon begins with
the initiator Met for preproNPY and extends to the Arg (residue 63) which
precedes the Tyr- amide of mature NPY. The third exon contains the coding
region for 27 amino acids, and the fourth exon codes for the terminal
heptapeptide and the 3' nontranslated DNA. Transcriptional control elements
were investigated by fusing 581 base pairs of the 5' sequences of the NPY
gene to the promoterless structural gene for chloramphenicol
acetyltransferase. NPY promoter activity was assayed by transfection of
these hybrid constructions into CA-77 and PC12 cells followed by the
determination of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity in cellular
extracts. DNA sequences located within 530 bases of the start of
transcription are sufficient for transient expression in the two neuronally
derived cell lines examined.