cDNA clones from a human adult testis cDNA library were isolated and sequenced as part of a programme to produce expressed sequence tags (ESTs). ESTs were used routinely to search DNA and protein sequence databases. One clone (142) showed 60% identity to the Bacillus subtilis glycerol kinase gene at both the DNA and amino acid sequence levels. Analysis of DNA from somatic cell hybrids carrying deleted X chromosomes, has shown that clone 142 detects homologous sequences between Xp21.2-p22.1 (the interval containing the locus responsible for glycerol kinase deficiency--GKD). These sequences are deleted in two patients with GKD. Clone 142 also detects homologous sequences on Xq and at several autosomal loci. The sequences of clone 142 and two further cDNA clones isolated from a human foetal brain cDNA library are presented.