Sequence analysis of a Kpnl family member near the 3′ end of human β-globin gene

We determined the complete nucleotide sequence (6125 bp) of a full-length member of human KpnI family, designated TβG41, which is located about 3 kb downstream from the β-globin gene. Comparison of the sequence with the KpnI family sequence compiled by Singer revealed that a new 131 bp sequence is present in the TβG41. Hybridization analyses showed that a few thousand of human KpnI family members are carrying this additional sequence. Computer search of DNA databases for TβG41-homologous sequence showed that some TβG41-homologous sequences were closely associated with pseudogenes. The TβG41 sequence also showed significant sequence homology with ChBlyml, a transferrin-like transforming gene of chicken. Furthermore, an amino acid sequence deduced from the TβG41 nucleotide sequence revealed a relatively-high homology to those of human transferrin and lactotransferrin.