Genomic structure, organization, and promoter region analysis of murine guanylyl cyclase/atrial natriuretic peptide receptor-A gene

We have determined the complete genomic nucleotide sequence and analyzed the promoter region of murine guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide roccptor-A gene (Nprl,coding for NPRA). The gone spans about 17.8 kb and contains 22 exons interrupted by 21 introns. All the exon-intron boundaries possess the consensus GT/AG splice junctions. Four different types of short interspersed nuclear elements (ten mouse B I elements, seven mouse B2-B4 elements, one ID and one MIR element) and one medium reiteration frequency repeav, have been found in the non-coding regions of the gene. Eleven tandem repeats, including three in the promoter region of the gene, have been identified. The transcription start site, 362 bp upstream from the start codon, was determined by 5'- rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The 1.98 kb 5'-flanking region contains three potential SP1 binding sites and one inverted CCAAT box but lacks the TATA box. This region also contains several putative cis-acting motifs known to bind kidney specific nuclear protein HFH-3, cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) and AP-4. In addition, the binding sites for a variety of transcription factors: AML-1alpha, SRY, Nkx-2.5, LyF-1, p300, GATA-1/2, HNF-3beta, c/ EBP alpha/beta and USF have been localized in the promoter region of Nprl gene. The analyses and characterization of the genomic structure of murine Npr1 gene should yield important insights into the spccies-specific regulation of this imporlant gene family. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.