BR140, a novel zinc-finger protein with homology to the TAF250 subunit of TFIID.

The Br140 protein was initially identified due to its co-purification with an integrin. We have cloned and sequenced the cDNA corresponding to the Br140 protein. Analysis of the amino acid sequence indicates that Br140 has features characteristic of gene regulatory proteins, including zinc fingers. Furthermore, Br140 has a homology to a family of transcriptional co-activators, one of which is a characterized component of the general transcriptional machinery. Immunologic studies indicate that Br140 has a broad tissue distribution and is abundant in testes and spermatogonia. Br140 is primarily a nuclear protein. These results suggest that Br140 may be a part of the general transcriptional machinery.