Asialoglycoprotein receptor genes are linked on chromosome 11 in the mouse

The asialoglycoprotein receptor on the hepatocyte plasma membrane recognizes galactose-terminated glycoproteins and internalizes them for subsequent degradation in lysosomes. The rat receptor, also known as rat hepatic lectin (RHL), is comprised of three protein subunits called RHL-1, RHL-2, and RHL-3; two genes code for RHL-1 and RHL-2/3, respectively. We have cloned and sequenced the gene for RHL-2/3, and demonstrated that homologous asialoglycoprotein receptor genes exist in the mouse genome. Biochemical studies have demonstrated that receptor subunits exhibit the same temporal expression during development and function in a coordinate manner. This study asks if mouse receptor genes are linked and thus could possibly respond to shared cis-acting regulatory elements. Using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and recombinant inbred lines, we mapped two closely linked mouse hepatic lectin (MHL) genes to chromosome 11. Asgr is designated to name asialoglycoprotein gene loci. Coordinate regulation of this linked gene family is discussed.