Genomic analysis of male germ cell-specific actin capping protein alpha.

The Gsg3 gene which expresses specifically in haploid germ cells is a mouse testicular homolog of somatic cell type actin capping protein alpha (ACP alpha). We have obtained a mouse Gsg3 genomic clone using cDNA as a probe. Sequencing data showed that the Gsg3 gene was not interrupted by introns. The transcription initiation site of the gene was preceded not by a TATA box or GC rich promoter motifs, but by two consensus cAMP-response element (CRE) motifs at the putative position. Southern blotting analysis showed that Gsg3 is a single copy gene in the mouse, and conserved in mammals. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Gsg3 is a novel ACP alpha specific for haploid germ cells.