Genomic organization and chromosome localization of the newly identified human heparanase gene

Heparanase (HPSE). which we have recently isolated, is an endo-beta-D-glucuronidase capable of cleaving heparan sulfate and has been implicated in inflammation and tumor angiogenesis and melastasis. In this report, the genomic organization and chromosome localization of the human heparanase gene is described. Polymerase chain reaction, subcloning and DNA sequencing analysis of a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone revealed that the 3.7 kb human heparanase cDNA is spread over about 50 kb and contains 14 exons and 13 introns. The heparanase gene is expressed as two mRNA species containing the same open reading frame, HPSE In (5 kb) (GenBank Data Library under accession number: AF155510); and HPSE Ib (1.7 kb) (GenBank Data Library under accession number: AF144325). generated by alternative splicing. The HPSE la-form contains all 14 exons, whereas in the HPSE Ib-form the first and fourteenth exons (5'- and 3'-untranslated region) have been spliced out. All splice sites conform to the GT-AG rule, except for the splice donor site of intron 13 (which is GA instead of GT), and the splice acceptor of intron 13 (which is GG instead of AG). Fluorescence in situ hybridization and radiation hybrid mapping suggest that the heparanase gene is located on human chromosome 4q22. This report regarding the structure of the human heparanase gene will aid in understanding the genetic contribution of this gene to normal physiology as well as to disease states. A possible involvement of heparanase in neuronal degeneration is discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.