Genethonin 1 (GEN1)

The cDNA, designated GENEX-3414, encodes a deduced 358-amino acid protein with a molecular mass of approximately 39 kD. Genethonin 1 contains a leucine zipper motif, a potential N-linked glycosylation site, 5 potential myristoylation sites, and multiple phosphorylation sites. It is predominantly hydrophilic, with 1 small hydrophobic stretch in the N terminus. Northern blot analysis detected expression of a 2.4-kb transcript at high levels in skeletal and cardiac muscles and at moderate levels in liver and placenta. No expression was found in pancreas, kidney, liver, or lung. Bouju et al. (1998) identified 2 different 41- to 43-kD proteins in skeletal muscle, heart, and placenta. Immunofluorescence studies showed that both proteins localize in the transverse tubules and/or near the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum within skeletal muscle cells.