Sequence and expression of seven new tetraspans.

The tetraspans are components of large molecular complexes that include also non-tetraspan molecules, in particular integrins. We have identified and sequenced several new members of the tetraspan superfamily, called NET-1 to NET-7 (new EST tetraspan). Sequence analysis of the NET reveals a structure typical for tetraspans, with the presence of four transmembrane domains delimiting two extracellular regions as well as conserved amino acid residues. The NET are differentially expressed in human cell lines.