Ergosterol Biosynthetic Protein 28 (ERG28)

By searching an EST database and screening a human testis cDNA library, Veitia et al. (1999) obtained a novel full-length cDNA, which they designated C14ORF1, with multiple potential transcription start points. The C14ORF1 cDNA encodes a basic transmembrane protein of approximately 157 amino acids that has 98% sequence identity with the homologous mouse protein. Northern blot analysis revealed expression of a 1.35-kb C14ORF1 transcript in all tissues and cancer cell lines tested, with strongest expression in testis and some cell lines. The authors noted that C14ORF1 expression was almost undetectable in normal colon mucosa and peripheral blood leukocytes but was highly expressed in a colorectal adenocarcinoma and several leukocyte-derived cell lines.