The genomic organization and expression of the WT1 gene

The Wilms tumor gene WT1, a proposed tumor suppressor gene, has been identified based on its location within a homozygous deletion found in tumor tissue. The gene encodes a putative transcription factor containing a Cys/His zinc finger domain. The critical homozygous deletions, however, are rarely seen, suggesting that in many cases the gene may be inactivated by more subtle alterations. To facilitate the search for smaller deletions and point mutations we have established the genomic organization of the WT1 gene and have determined the sequence of all 10 exons and flanking intron DNA. The pattern of alternative splicing in two regions has been characterized in detail. These results will form the basis for future studies of mutant alleles at this locus.