Identification, localization and characterization of the human gamma-synuclein gene.

We have identified and characterized a new member of the human synuclein gene family, gamma-synuclein (SNCG). This gene is composed of five exons, which encode a 127 amino acid protein that is highly homologous to alpha-synuclein, which is mutated in some Parkinson's disease families, and to beta-synuclein. The gamma-synuclein gene is localized to chromosome 10q23 and is principally expressed in the brain, particularly in the substantia nigra. We have determined its genomic sequence, and established conditions for sequence analysis of each of the exons. The gamma-synuclein gene, also known as BCSG1, was recently found to be overexpressed in advanced infiltrating carcinoma of the breast. Our survey of the EST database indicated that it might also be overexpressed in an ovarian tumor.