Vanin genes are clustered (human 6q22-24 and mouse 10A2B1) and encode isoforms of pantetheinase ectoenzymes

Immunogenetics. 2001 May-Jun;53(4):296-306. doi: 10.1007/s002510100327.

Abstract

The mouse Vanin-1 molecule plays a role in thymic reconstitution following damage by irradiation. We recently demonstrated that it is a membrane pantetheinase (EC 3.56.1.-). This molecule is the prototypic member of a larger Vanin family encoded by at least two mouse (Vanin-1 and Vanin-3) and three human (VNN1, VNN2, VNN3) orthologous genes. We now report (1) the structural characterization of the human and mouse Vanin genes and their organization in clusters on the 6q22-24 and 10A2B1 chromosomes, respectively; (2) identification of the human VNN3 gene and the demonstration that the mouse Vanin-3 molecule is secreted by cells, and (3) that the Vanin genes encode different isoforms of the mammalian pantetheinase activity. Thus, the Vanin family represents a novel class of secreted or membrane-associated ectoenzymes. We discuss here their possible role in processes pertaining to tissue repair in the context of oxidative stress.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amidohydrolases / genetics*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics*
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 6 / genetics*
  • Conserved Sequence
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Multigene Family*
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Amidohydrolases
  • pantetheinase

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AL032821