Genomic organization and chromosomal location of the mouse vasoactive intestinal polypeptide 1(VPAC1) receptor

The gene encoding the mouse vasoactive intestinal polypeptide type 1 (VPAC(1)) receptor was cloned, and its structural organization was determined. The gene (Vipr1) is more than 16 kb in length and is divided into 13 exons. The 5'-flanking region is highly GC-rich and lacks an apparent TATA box, but contains a CCAAT box, three potential Spl-binding sites, and two potential AP-a-binding sites. Promoter analysis of the 5'-flanking region of Vipr1 using a luciferase gene reporter system revealed that the isolated 5'-flanking region has functional promoter activity. The mouse Vipr1 gene is encoded by a single gene, which was mapped to the distal region of mouse chromosome 9. This region is syntenic with human chromosome 3p, where the human VPAC(1) receptor gene has been mapped. (C) 1999 Academic Press.