Localization and physical mapping of genes encoding the A+U-rich element RNA-binding protein AUF1 to human chromosomes 4 and X

Messenger RNAs encoding many oncoproteins and cytokines are relatively unstable. Their instability, which ensures appropriate levels and timing of expression, is controlled in part by proteins that bind to A+U-rich instability elements (AREs) present in the 3'-untranslated regions of the mRNAs. cDNAs encoding the AUF1 family of ARE-binding proteins were cloned from human and murine cDNA libraries. In the present study monochromosomal somatic cell hybrids were used to localize two AUF1 loci to human chromosomes 4 and X. In situ hybridization analyses using P1 clones as probes identified the 4q21.1-q21.2 and Xq12 regions as the locations of the AUF1 genes.