cDNA cloning, chromosomal localization and evolutionary analysis of mouse vacuolar ATPase subunit D, Atp6m

The multi-subunit vacuolar ATPase pump uses ATP hydrolysis to move protons into membrane bound compartments. The pump is involved in a variety of cellular functions, including regulation of cytosolic pH, vesicular transport, endocytosis, secretion, and apoptosis. Here, we describe the cDNA cloning and chromosomal mapping of subunit D of murine V-ATPase. The mouse gene, designated Atp6m, maps to Chromosome 12, in a region of high homology with human chromosome 14q24. Evolutionary analysis of subunit D orthologs in a variety of other species reveals that this is a highly conserved protein that has been under remarkably strong negative selection during evolution, most likely reflecting its critical role in multiple cellular processes.