Genomic organization and chromosomal location of the mouse vasoactive intestinal polypeptide 1 (VPAC1) receptor

The gene encoding the mouse vasoactive intestinal polypeptide type 1 (VPAC1) receptor was cloned, and its structural organization was determined. The gene (Vipr1) is more than 16 kb in length and is divided into 13 exons. The 5'-flanking region is highly GC-rich and lacks an apparent TATA box, but contains a CCAAT box, three potential Sp1-binding sites, and two potential AP-2-binding sites. Promoter analysis of the 5'-flanking region of Vipr1 using a luciferase gene reporter system revealed that the isolated 5'-flanking region has functional promoter activity. The mouse Vipr1 gene is encoded by a single gene, which was mapped to the distal region of mouse chromosome 9. This region is syntenic with human chromosome 3p, where the human VPAC1 receptor gene has been mapped.