Molecular Cloning of the Acid Sphingomyelinase of the Mouse and the Organization and Complete Nucleotide Sequence of the Gene

Abstract
The cDNA and complete gene encoding mouse acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) has been isolated using a homology screening approach. Comparison with the human sequence shows 81% sequence identity at cDNA level and 82% at the protein level. Homology is markedly reduced in the N-terminal region, especially in the presumed signal peptide. The six-exon gene structure is similar to the human one, except for the position of Alu1 elements. The alternatively used splice site 40 bp downstream of the human exon 2 is not conserved in the mouse gene and accordingly no such alternative splicing was found in mouse.