Molecular cloning and tissue distribution of cDNA encoding a novel chemoattractant-like receptor

With the application of a homology screening strategy, including PCR amplification and southern blot hybridization, a novel cDNA was cloned from rat liver and anterior pituitary libraries. It was found to encode a 371-amino acid protein which has the characteristics of a heptahelix receptor and shows structural identity to members of the chemoattractant receptor family. A primary receptor message of 3.5 kb size was identified by northern blot hybridization. This RNA species showed high expression in heart and lung, while expression was lower in small intestines, colon, kidney, liver, uterus, and in brain. Another larger RNA species of 6.3 kb appeared in heart and lung. In situ hybridization histochemistry performed on tissue from liver and kidney revealed a mainly vascular distribution of the receptor message.