Expression and chromosomal localization of cDNA clones from an enriched human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell...

We have previously constructed an enriched cDNA library from a human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line and generated expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from novel clones. Here, we report the analysis of expression of 14 cDNAs and identify two clones, AA1 and AA28, that appear to be specifically expressed in RPE but not in any other tissue tested. We have also localized 15 novel cDNAs (including the two RPE-specific cDNAs) to human chromosomes using in situ hybridization or in conjunction with somatic cell hybrid analysis. The cDNAs were mapped to the following chromosomal regions: 1p35-->p33, 1q41-->q42 (two clones), 3q11.2-->q13.1, 3q24-->q25, 4q13-->q21, 6q22-->q23, 7q34-->q36, 10q23-->q24, 11q23-->q24, 15q25-->q26, 19p13.3, 20p13, 21q11.2-->q21, and 21q22.2-->q22.3. The genetic and functional analysis of the two RPE-specific genes should contribute to a better understanding of RPE function. Chromosomal localization of RPE cDNAs will be valuable in identifying candidate genes for inherited diseases involving RPE dysfunction and aid in establishing the expression map of the human genome.