Ankyrin Repeat And KH Domain Containing Protein 1 (ANKHD1)

The MASK gene encodes a deduced 2,542-amino acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 269.5 kD. The protein contains 2 blocks of ankyrin repeats (10 and 15 repeats, respectively) and a KH domain. Northern blot analysis detected Mask in all mouse tissues examined. Western blot analysis detected endogenous MASK at an apparent molecular mass of 270 kD in 293T cells and in a human prostate carcinoma cell line.

The cDNA contains a short interspersed nuclear element (SINE) in the 3-prime untranslated region (UTR). RT-PCR ELISA detected intermediate to high expression in all adult and fetal tissues and specific brain regions examined, with highest levels in adult heart, lung, testis, and ovary.