Isolation of a murine cDNA clone encoding Rab19, a novel tissue-specific small GTPase

Using a rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) cloning approach, we have isolated a cDNA clone encoding Rab19, a novel small GTPase of the Rab subfamily contained within partial sequences previously described [Chavrier et al., Gene 112 (1992) 261-264]. Northern blot analysis of the distribution of the rab19 mRNA in various adult mouse tissues and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts revealed that rab19 is expressed in a tissue-specific manner. The rab19 transcript was detected at high levels in intestine, lung and spleen, and at a lower level in kidney. In contrast, liver, brain, heart and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts contain only very little or no detectable rab19 mRNA. Therefore, Rab19 is likely to represent a novel tissue- or cell type-specific small GTPase.