Molecular cloning of a mouse homologue for the Drosophila splicing regulator Tra2

We report the identification of a mouse cDNA, SIG41, encoding a protein of 288 amino acids that is 45% identical (58% similar) to the Drosophila splicing regulator Tra2. SIG41 cDNA contains four polyadenylation signals whose alternative use gives rise to four types of transcripts (2.1, 2.0, 1.5, and 1.4 kb) in mouse cells. Northern analysis and RT-PCR assays showed that SIG41 mRNA is present in virtually all the cell lines and tissues studied, with remarkable levels of expression in uterus and brain tissues. Differential stability of the SIG41 mRNAs was detected in mouse macrophage cells.