Structure of the human kappa-casein gene

The human kappa-casein-encoding gene, Kca, was cloned and sequenced. The structural gene consists of five exons ranging from 33 to 496 nucleotides (nt) separated by introns ranging from 1146 to 2942 nt, and extends over 8821 nt. All intron/exon splice junctions conform to the GT/AG rule. The gene organization is similar to that of the bovine gene. The 5'-flanking region contains an A + T-rich sequence; TTTAATT, close to where the TATA motif is found in most other genes, a CAAT box, and an AP-1 consensus sequence. In addition, one Alu repetitive element was found in the second intron.