Structure of the chromosomal gene for granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor: comparison of the mouse and human genes.

Abstract

A cDNA clone that expresses granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) activity in COS‐7 cells has been isolated from a pcD library prepared from mRNA derived from concanavalin A‐activated mouse helper T cell clones. Based on homology with the mouse GM‐CSF cDNA sequence, the mouse GM‐CSF gene was isolated. The human GM‐CSF gene was also isolated based on homology with the human GM‐CSF cDNA sequence. The nucleotide sequences determined for the genes and their flanking regions revealed that both the mouse and human GM‐CSF genes are composed of three introns and four exons. The organization of the mouse and human GM‐CSF genes are highly homologous and strong sequence homology between the two genes is found both in the coding and non‐coding regions. A ‘TATA’‐like sequence was found 20‐25 bp upstream from the transcription initiation site. In the 5′‐flanking region, there is a highly homologous region extending 330 bp upstream of the putative TATA box. This sequence may play a role in regulation of expression of the GM‐CSF gene. These structures are compared with those of different lymphokine genes and their regulatory regions.