The Gene Encoding LERK-7 (EPLG7, Epl7), a Ligand for the Eph-Related Receptor Tyrosine Kinases, Maps to Human Chromosome 5 at Band q21 and to Mouse Chromosome 17

Abstract

The eph-related receptors are the largest subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases. Recently, we and others have identified seven different, but related, cDNAs encoding membrane-bound ligands for this family of receptors. One member, LERK-7, is attached to the cell membrane via glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol linkage and has been found to be a ligand for the eph-family receptors hek, elk, eck, and rek. Using PCR-based screening of human × rodent somatic cell hybrid DNAs, we have assigned the gene that encodes LERK-7 (EPLG7) to human chromosome 5. Fluorescencein situhybridization to metaphase chromosome preparations using a genomic clone from the locus refined this localization to chromosome 5, band q21. In addition, Southern blot analysis of DNAs from interspecific backcross mice indicated that the mouse homologueEpl7maps to a homologous region on chromosome 17.