Identification and characterization of a novel kelch-like gene KLHL15 in silico

Kelch-like proteins are implicated in embryogenesis and carcinogenesis through cytoskeleton organization. KLHL (kelch homolog) genes, containing two evolutionary conserved domains--broad-complex, tramtrack, bric-a-brac/poxvirus and zinc finger (BTB/POZ) domains, and kelch motif, are human homologs of Drosophila kelch gene. We identified the KLHL15 gene, a novel human homolog of Drosophila kelch, by using bioinformatics. KLHL15 gene, consisting of 4 exons, was located within human genome sequences RP11-47911 (AC079169.32) and RP11-793H5 (AC079376.26). Complete coding sequence of human KLHL15 cDNA was determined by assembling FLJ32736 cDNA (AK057298) and KIAA1677 cDNA (AB051464). The human, chicken, and zebra fish KLHL15 (604 aa) showed 85-93% total-amino acid identity. N-terminal BTB/POZ domain and C-terminal three KELCH motifs were identified within KLHL15 protein by using the Pfam program. Human KLHL15 mRNA was expressed ubiquitously in various tissues. This is the first report on identification and characterization of the KLHL15 gene.