The mouse Fkh1/Mf1 gene: cDNA sequence, chromosomal localization and expression in adult tissues

The 'winged helix' or 'forkhead' transcription factor gene family is defined by a common 100-amino-acid DNA-binding motif. Here, we describe the chromosomal position, start site of transcription, sequence and adult expression pattern of the mouse Fkh1/Mf1 (Forkhead homologue 1/mesoderm/mesenchyme forkhead 1) gene. This gene contains one exon and encodes a protein of 553 amino acids that is highly related to the mouse MFH1 protein. The Fkh1/Mf1 mRNA is expressed widely in adult tissues. Linkage analysis showed that the Fkh1/Mf1 gene is localized to chromosome 13 at 17.02cM from the centromer, in close proximity to Bmp6 and Hfh1, another distinct member of the winged helix gene family.