Abstract: Novel genes significantly homologous to organic cation transporters OCT1 and OCT2 have been successfully isolated by screening a fetal gene library by random sequencing. Proteins encoded by these genes function as transporters of various organic cations.

Abstract: A novel gene was unexpectedly isolated in an attempt to isolate a gene specifically expressed in immortalized cells via antibody screening using an antibody raised against a protein occurring specifically in immortalized cells. The gene thus isolated shares no sequence homology with the entries deposited in the database and was strongly expressed in skeletal muscles and undifferentiated cells. The protein encoded by this gene inhibits the differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes. It also inhibits the transactivation function of p53, a transcription factor involved in tumor suppression.

Abstract: Genes each encoding a novel transcriptional regulator having a bromodomain have been successfully isolated from a human testis cDNA library using primers prepared based on an EST sequence found using the bromodomain sequence of the transcriptional regulator. These genes are structurally analogous to each other.

Abstract: A database search using the sequence of transcriptional regulator “RING3” having a bromodomain identified an EST sequence that is highly homologous with RING3. Using primers prepared based on the EST sequence, a gene encoding a novel transcriptional regulator having a bromodomain has been successfully isolated from a human testis cDNA library by polymerase chain reactions. The results of analysis of the isolated gene revealed that this gene is expressed strongly in testis cells with a potent proliferative ability. The use of the above transcriptional regulator and its gene enables screening candidate compounds for factors interacting with the transcriptional regulator or drugs controlling the activity of the regulator.