Molecular cloning of a G protein-coupled receptor that is highly expressed in lymphocytes and proliferative areas of developing brain.

A G protein-coupled receptor has been cloned from a sheep pars tuberalis cDNA library using a probe generated by the polymerase chain reaction. The cDNA, designated AJ-13, encodes a protein of 353 amino acids. The structure of the receptor protein encoded by AJ-13 is most similar to that of the interleukin-8 (33-37% identical) and angiotensin II (35% identical) receptors. Examination of the tissue distribution of AJ-13 mRNA by Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization showed that the transcript is heavily expressed in B and T lymphocytes. In brain, mRNA expression is developmentally regulated, being most highly expressed in proliferative areas. This pattern of expression suggests that the receptor encoded by AJ-13 may have roles in both immune function and brain development.

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