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Title: Molecular characterization of the gene for human interleukin-1[beta] converting enzyme (IL1BC)

Journal Article · · Genomics; (United States)
; ; ;  [1];  [2]; ;  [3]
  1. Immunex Corp., Seattle, WA (United States)
  2. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN (United States)
  3. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN (United States) Univ. of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, TN (United States)

Interleukin-1[beta] (IL-1[beta]) mediates a wide range of immune and inflammatory responses. The active cytokine is generated by proteolytic cleavage of an inactive precursor by a protease called the IL-1[beta] converting enzyme (ICE). A cDNA encoding this protease was recently isolated. A human genomic clone containing the ICE gene (IL1BC) was isolated using the cDNA as a probe. The gene consists of 10 exons spanning at least 10.6 kb. 5[prime]-anchored polymerase chain reaction indicated a single transcription start site [approximately]33 bp upstream of the initiator Met codon. The 5[prime]-flanking region does not have an apparent TATA box but may contain an initiator (Inr) promotor element. However, transcriptional activity could not be detected with a fusion gene containing the 5[prime]-flanking region linked to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene (CAT) when transfected into the human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1. Using the genomic IL1BC clone, the authors have confirmed the localization of the gene to chromosome 11 band q22.2-q22.3 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. 34 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.

OSTI ID:
6789210
Journal Information:
Genomics; (United States), Vol. 20:3; ISSN 0888-7543
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English