Human and canine gene homologs of porcine brain natriuretic peptide.

A cDNA clone encoding porcine brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) precursor was used to probe a canine genomic DNA library for homologous sequences. A unique clone was obtained (D1) which encoded a peptide homologous to porcine BNP. A 4.0 kB Hind III fragment of D1 containing the entire BNP precursor coding region was hybridized against blots of EcoRI digested human genomic DNA. A 7.0 kB hybridizing band was observed, which was subsequently subcloned and sequenced. This human clone, H1, also contained a sequence homologous to porcine BNP precursor. Transcription of the human BNP gene was confirmed by detection of BNP-specific sequences amplified from human atrial RNA by polymerase chain reaction. These results suggest that both BNP and ANP are present and function in a wide variety of mammalian species.