International Mammalian Genome Society

The 15th International Mouse Genome Conference (2001)

Table of Contents * Complex Genetics * Developmental Genetics * Gene Annotation * Gene Discovery * Genome Sequencing * Functional Genomics * Mutagenesis * Presentations * Verne Chapman Memorial Lecture

Dr Claire Amadou
CNRS, UPR2163
Chu Purpan
Toulouse 31300 France

Co-Author:  Takada T, Fischer Lindahl K
Institutions:  Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

The benefits of interspecific sequence comparison have long been used to advocate sequencing the mouse genome in parallel with the human genome. As our mouse Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) sequencing program was progressing, we engaged in a large-scale sequence comparison with the human MHC class I region.

We have compared in detail mouse and human genomic sequences that span a cluster of 7 genes encoding RING-finger proteins. The comparison revealed 3 new genes, which were not reported after the full sequence of the human MHC (The MHC sequencing consortium 1999). The comparison defined precisely the exon-intron structure of the genes. The comparison identified conserved non-coding sequences that are potential regulatory motifs and will guide biological experiments. Lastly, the comparison revealed differences in gene structures, hiding under broad conservation, with potentially major biological consequences. As much as similarities, comparative genomics uncovers striking differences capable of revealing clues about the biochemical causes that underlie the differences between species.