Formin 2 (FMN2)

By searching an EST database for homologs of FMN, probing a mouse cDNA library, and further searching of the human EST database, Leader and Leder (2000) identified a mouse cDNA and a partial human cDNA encoding FMN2. Sequence analysis predicted that the 1,567-amino acid mouse protein and the partial human protein share approximately 79% identity at their N termini and 90% identity over their C termini. They also have high homology to the Drosophila 'cappuccino' protein. The FH1 domain of Fmn2 contains 11 proline repeats. Northern blot analysis revealed expression of a 6- to 7-kb FMN2 transcript in all central nervous system tissues and in fetal brain. Whole mount in situ hybridization analysis detected predominant expression of Fmn2 in mouse embryonic spinal cord and brain at days 9.5 to 10.5.