Genomic structure and chromosomal localization of the mouse persyn gene

Synucleins are a family of small intracellular proteins expressed mainly in the nervous system. The involvement of synucleins in neurodegeneration and malignancy has been demonstrated, but the physiological functions of these proteins remain elusive. Further studies including generation of animals with modified persyn expression are necessary to clarify the functions of these proteins and the mechanisms of their involvement in human diseases. We cloned and determined the organization and chromosomal localization of the mouse gene coding for persyn, a member of the synuclein family. The gene is composed of five exons, and its general structure is very similar to that of the human persyn gene. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we assigned the persyn gene to the boundary of bands B and C on mouse chromosome 14. We found a fragment of the gene that directs expression of the persyn protein in sensory neurons and could be used for generation of transgenic animals.