Cloning of the mouse gene for D-dopachrome tautomerase

D-Dopachrome tautomerase converts 2-carboxy-2,3-dihydroindole-5, 6-quinone (D-dopachrome) into 5,6-dihydroxyindole. The amino acid sequence of this protein is 27% identical with that of macrophage migration inhibitory factor, which is known as a cytokine, pituitary hormone, and glucocorticoid-induced immunomodulator. In this study, we isolated and sequenced a 3490 bp-long genomic DNA of mouse D-dopachrome tautomerase that consists of three exons and two introns. By two procedures, 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends and cap site labeling, we determined the transcription initiation site, which is located 46 bp upstream of the translation initiation site. The possible polyadenylation sequence (AATAAA) is located 180 bp downstream of the termination codon. Computer-assisted analysis of the nucleotide sequence revealed a number of regulatory motifs, including multiple sites for Sp1, C/EBP, NF-Y, and USF. Although the precise pathophysiological functions of D-dopachrome tautomerase remain to be elucidated, the present results will contribute not only to elucidation of the mechanism of gene expression, but also to understanding of the molecular function of this protein.