The Sox-13 gene: structure, promoter characterization, and chromosomal localization.

We have recently identified the HMG box transcription factor Sox-13 and described its expression during murine embryogenesis. Here we describe the structure of the murine Sox-13 gene. This gene spans approximately 12 kb and consists of 13 exons. The HMG domain is encoded by exons XI and XII, separated by an intron that is conserved among Sox-5, Sox-13, and Sox-17. A single major transcription initiation site was identified. Deletion analysis of the 3-kb promoter region revealed a 400-bp fragment driving transcription of a luciferase reporter in a Sox-13-expressing cell line. To determine the chromosomal localization of the human gene, a human SOX13 cDNA was isolated with 75% homology to the mouse Sox-13. FISH analysis mapped the human SOX13 gene to chromosome 1 band q32. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.