Molecular cloning and chromosomal assignment of the mouse C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) gene (Nppc): comparison with the human CNP gene (NPPC).

The mouse C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) genomic fragment was isolated from a mouse genomic DNA library. The mouse CNP gene is composed of at least two exons and one intron. The 5'-flanking region contains an array of cis-acting regulatory elements and a dinucleotide CA repeat (microsatellite). Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences revealed that mouse preproCNP is a 126-amino-acid peptide and that its C-terminal 22-residue peptide preceded by Lys-Lys is identical to porcine, rat, and human CNPs. On the basis of the polymerase chain reaction-analyzed microsatellite length polymorphisms among recombinant inbred strains of mice, the CNP gene (Nppc) was assigned to mouse chromosome 1. Furthermore, the human CNP 5'-flanking region was extended for sequencing, and comparison of the mouse and human CNP genomic sequences revealed regions of conservation and diversity. Using somatic hybrid cell methodology, the CNP gene (NPPC) was assigned to human chromosome 2. The present study has added another locus to the conserved syntenic group in mice and humans.