Complete primary structures of the E beta chain and gene of the mouse major histocompatibility complex

Using the cross-hybridization with plasmid pDC beta-1, containing the cDNA coding for the DC beta chain of the human major histocompatibility complex class II molecules, we have cloned and subjected to sequence analysis both the cDNA and genomic gene for the E beta chain of the BALB/c (d haplotype) mouse. The nucleotide sequences of the cDNA and genomic DNA clones permitted us to deduce the entire primary structure of the E beta chain and the complete exon-intron structure of the E beta gene. Unlike alpha chain genes that contain five exons, the E beta gene consists of six exons corresponding to the six functional domains--the leader, beta 1 and beta 2 domains, transmembrane peptide, intracytoplasmic peptide, and 3' untranslated region. In addition, two short blocks of sequences common to alpha and beta chain genes were identified in the 5' flanking regions. We propose that these sequences are involved in the coordinate expression of alpha and beta chains.